Disturbance Effects on Water Quantity and Quality

Project Abstract:
How does forest disturbance affect the water quantity and quality of water flowing from forested watersheds? The inability to quantitatively predict the potential effects of forest disturbance (e.g. Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB), harvesting, fire) on watershed processes and response remains one of the major knowledge gaps within the watershed management realm, and has implications for such values as aquatic habitats, infrastructure and human health. Disturbances may be natural or anthropogenic beyond forest harvesting such as range use, mining or oil and gas. Resource management practitioners also need to be equipped with the appropriate tools (e.g. numerical models, risk analysis methods, assessment methods) and knowledge to select appropriate tools for given circumstances and questions. These questions are currently very high profile due to concerns over hydrologic change resulting from MPB related mortality and salvage harvesting. Knowing what questions and information are driving current resource management practices and anticipating emerging questions and information needs is critical for sustainable watershed management. Professionals and practitioners work within a dynamic environment of changing information needs and these needs must be documented and addressed to ensure a continuous flow of reliable and credible information to those who require it.

During the 2009/10 fiscal year, a workshop will be held to examine the hydrogeomorphic effects of wildfire on watersheds. The intent is to learn from research results and operational experience in the aftermath of the 2003 wildfires that ravaged southern BC, Alberta and the northwestern US. It is intended that this event will attract researchers and government and industry forestry personnel, along with other interested audiences such as regional districts, municipalities, disaster management agencies and health authorities. Following the symposium, an evaluation will be conducted and summary articles will be prepared for LINK and Streamline to highlight the major take home messages.

Several general extension activities will include peer assisting client and FORREX team projects; proactive outreach; and filling extension requests relating to watershed management. A core focus of this activity is to provide assistance to FSP researchers with extension delivery related to their projects and with proposals and extension planning. Outreach with the research and operational communities will be a major focus for the Southern Interior WMES position. The annual Forest Hydrology Technical Field Tour will be coordinated by the Coastal specialist. To follow-up from the 2007 MPB-Hydrology workshop in Kelowna, a survey will be conducted to identify the need for further MPB-Hydrology and emerging information needs.

The partnership between FORREX and UBC-Okanagan will continue, with the southern interior specialist providing extension support to watershed research carried out at UBCO. In addition, the specialist will participate in the Okanagan Sustainability Institute and Sustainable Planning for the Okanagan Environment initiatives.

For further information on this project, please contact Kevin.Bladon@forrex.org.