IMPACTS OF DISTANCE TO PIPELINE DISTURBANCE ON MIXED GRASS PRAIRIE AND HALIMOLOBOS VIRGATA (NUTT.) O.E. SCHULZ (SLENDER MOUSE EAR CRESS)

• Author / Creator

  Nannt, Meghan R

• Halimolobos virgata (slender mouse ear cress) is an at risk plant species in the Dry Mixed Grass Subregion of Southern Alberta. Little is known about effects of disturbances such as pipelines on Halimolobos virgata and its habitat. Environment Canada recommends a non species specific set back of 300 m from species at risk for pipeline disturbances. This research addressed whether this set back was meaningful for Halimolobos virgata by studying effects of distance to pipelines on it. Halimolobos virgata tended to occupy micro habitats with soil properties different from surrounding habitat and comprised of several features impacting soil water content. Pipeline impacts to soil and vegetation were generally confined within right of way boundaries when steep terrain and extensive grading were not factors, therefore no set back is recommended. Right of ways may negatively impact Halimolobos virgata habitat; thus careful planning of route and construction timing is recommended.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Pipelines
  • Halimolobos virgata
  • At risk plant species
  • Dry mixed grass

• Graduation date

  Spring 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3QN5ZK8W

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.