2.3.4  Waterbody Referencing

The inventory requires that all streams on the 1:20 000 base map be identified using a unique watershed/waterbody identifier. The watershed/waterbody identifier is the essential link for all aquatic data in the inventory databases, and must be used on all data forms. Where there are no watershed codes, interim identifiers must be used. Provide watershed/waterbody identifiers for all water bodies in the project area. Use the following standard watershed and waterbody information to ensure data are properly referenced:

The alias is an unofficial or locally used name for the lake, stream or wetland. Obtain the alias from ministry archives containing old lake summary reports, regional MELP offices, or other local sources.

The Watershed/Waterbody Identifier System is a computer-generated coding system that uniquely identifies watersheds and waterbodies in BC. It is a component of the 1:50 000 BC Watershed Atlas. The identifier has two parts; a watershed code, and a waterbody identifier. Depending on whether a watershed or waterbody is identified, one or both parts are used. For streams, only the watershed code is required for reconnaissance inventory purposes. For lakes, both watershed code and waterbody identifier are required.

Watershed Code is a 45-digit, 12-set array that uniquely identifies watersheds. The Watershed Code is a mandatory requirement for all aquatic data.

Waterbody Identifier is an alpha-numeric, nine-string of characters that uniquely identifies a waterbody within a watershed. It consists of five digits followed by a four-letter acronym of the parent watershed group. For the purpose of these inventories, the waterbody identifier is used for lakes and wetlands only.

Additional information on watershed/waterbody identifiers can be found in:

User's Guide to the British Columbia Watershed/waterbody Identifier System, RIC.
or on the Fisheries Inventory web site.

The Watershed/Waterbody Identifier System is based on the aquatic features discernible at the 1:50 000 scale. While the system can be used at mapping scales of 1:20 000, many watersheds and waterbodies at this scale lack identifiers. Where an identifier is not available, assign an interim locational point (ILP) and use it until one can be generated.

Requirements for generating watershed codes and waterbody identifiers from ILPs include a 1:20 000 map and an ILP data sheet (separate sheets for lakes and streams) linked by:

1. Project Code: inventory project code obtained from the regional fisheries inventory specialist (e.g., 04-ELKR-333333333-1997).
2. ILP Map Number: The mapsheet number of the map used to assign ILP numbers.
3. ILP Number: A user defined number unique to any particular point on the map sheet (Note: This is a five-digit numeric field - e.g., 00023).

Full requirements of the ILP data sheets are presented in the reconnaissance inventory procedures below.

Use the universal transverse mercator (UTM) coordinate to identify the location of the lake, stream or wetland, and/or the sampling site as described below. UTM coordinates are recorded as three sets of numbers: zone - easting - northing, separated by periods. Obtain UTM coordinates from the 1:20 000 map sheet or global positioning system (GPS).

• For stream reaches, use the UTM of the upstream reach break.
• For sampling sites in stream reaches, record the UTM coordinates of the downstream end of the site.
• For lakes, the UTM normally refers to the location of the inlet stream on the lake. If there is more than one inlet, use the main inlet, and in cases where no inlet is present, use the UTM of the geographic centre of the lake.
• For sampling sites in lakes, the UTM coordinates are recorded from the approximate centre of the site.
• For features with a linear extent, the UTM is for the downstream end.
• Numeric Identifiers

Each mapped feature, including features listed in section 2.3.5, Mapping (i.e., reach breaks, sample sites, etc.,) must be locationally referenced. This may be done by recording the UTM of the feature, or by assigning a unique numeric identifier (NID) to the feature. Numeric identifiers include the mapsheet number, referred to as the NID map number and the NID. The NID map number and NID together provide a unique identifier to link locational data recorded on the interim map to attribute data recorded in the database. All NIDs must have a UTM for phase 5 and 6 deliverables. Record the NID for a mapped feature on the interim map. Record the NID and NID map number with the attribute data associated with the mapped feature. All data forms and cards (e.g., reach table, reach form, site cards) include the NID and NID map number fields. As reaches may not have yet been determined, feature information (such as height of a falls, or length of a cascade) is included on the map and later entered in the reach table once reaches have been identified. See section 2.4.4.3, The FDIS reach table, for details on completing the reach table.

To determine the mainstem for ILP assignment, first check the watershed atlas and use what that gives you. If the atlas does not include your streams, assign the mainstem to the stream with the gazetted name. If the stream is unnamed, follow these rules for mainstem assignment:

• above the stream fork, try to pick as the mainstem the branch that appears to have the greatest perennial discharge. Determine this by inspecting for the following:

• stream forks at end of valley - pick the longest fork as the mainstem, unless there is a lake >5 ha at the head of one. If so, pick that one (unless the fork is >30% longer, or is somewhat longer and has a tributary, then pick that fork).
• stream forks at the end of the valley, with the same length on each fork - pick as the mainstem the fork with the lake at the head, even if it is tiny.
• stream forks at the end of the valley, with the same length on each fork - pick as the mainstem the fork whose course is closest in trend to the other streams in the valley.
• stream forks at the end of the valley, with the same length on each fork, but one has a tributary - pick as the mainstem the one with the tributary.
• stream forks near the end of the valley, with the same length on each fork and neither stream has a course that follows the valley trend - pick the fork with the largest watershed.

2.3.4.1 Reconnaissance inventory procedures

It is recognized that obtaining watershed/waterbody identifiers for all waterbodies on a 1:20 000 map can be a time consuming process. To reduce time requirements in the pre-field phases of the reconnaissance inventory, ILPs may be used in place of watershed/waterbody identifiers. If ILPs are used, they must be replaced with watershed codes prior to loading data into the standard provincial inventory databases. The procedure for using ILPs follows:

1. Create a 1:20 000 map of the project area with ILPs for streams. Two (2) copies are required; one for use as the interim map to carry on with the inventory project, and one ILP map for use in generating watershed codes.
   
   
2. Generate ILP data sheets: one for streams; and one for lakes. Take care to ensure ILPs recorded on the map are consistent with the ILP data sheets. The ILP data sheet provides a record of ILPs assigned by project for use in generating waterbody identifiers and for assigning additional ILPs as required later in the inventory project.


On the ILP data sheets, note that for streams, the UTM in the ILP data sheet (Streams) refers to the UTM of the stream mouth. For lakes, the UTM in the ILP data sheet (Lakes) refers to the location of the outlet (use the ILP just as you would the watershed code for lakes). Refer to the User's Guide to the British Columbia Watershed/Waterbody Identifier System, RIC for information on the ILP data sheets.


3. Send the ILP map and ILP data sheet to the ministry contact for watershed code assignments. Note that the mandatory fields in ILP data sheets must be filled out completely.² This includes UTM coordinates for all ILPs.
   
   
4. Record separately ILPs assigned at later stages of the inventory. Submit these as a smaller watershed/waterbody identifier request as required.

2.3.5  Mapping

Transcribe all relevant information and features found during the data review phase to the interim maps for use during the inventory project. Relevant information includes:

1. fish sampling and distribution information - sample sites, known upstream/downstream distribution limits, etc.
2. falls that may act as obstructions to fish movement;
3. chutes or cascades that may potentially act as obstructions;
4. culverts and other stream crossings that potentially alienate fish habitats;
5. major beaver dams;
6. logjams and sediment wedges;
7. landslides or major erosional events that affect the channel;
8. evidence of subsurface flow;
9. enhancement activities; and
10. other information that may affect the sampling objectives and plan - regionally determined.

Exercise care to only transfer information that has potential importance for the current inventory program.

2.3.5.1  Interim map(s)

Interim maps are the working copy maps developed and used throughout the inventory project. Features are added as required following the inventory phases. At the conclusion of Phase 1 - Review and Analysis of Existing Data, interim maps should include the following:

1. interim locational points (ILPs);
2. known watershed code/waterbody codes for all waterbodies with information (streams, lakes, and connected wetlands); and
3. known features from data review, referenced with NID/NID map numbers.

Prepare interim maps in accordance with the mapping standards provided in the Standards for Fish and Fish Habitat Maps, RIC. Symbols and codes may be drawn by hand.

2. An electronic (Excel or compatible spreadsheet), and hard copy of the ILP table containing only those ILPs that do not have watershed codes and associated maps (1:20 000, full sheets) must be sent to the ministry contact for watershed code assignments as soon as possible. If the excel file is too large, it can be zipped using either PKZIP or WINZIP. Mandatory fields in the table include MAP#, PROJECTID, ILP#, TRIM FEAT., and any COMMENTS that will aid in locating the ILP/stream on the map. For complex areas where there may be any confusion about which stream an ILP is associated with, NAD, UTM ZONE, EASTING and NORTHING are also required. It is highly recommended that wherever possible, UTMs be included. This will decrease the time required to respond with new watershed codes.