Northern Watershed Management Extension and Watershed Monitoring and Measurement

Project Abstract:
Changes in watershed function as a result of mountain pine beetle, wildfire, climate change, and other disturbances have an important influence on how forest management is conducted in British Columbia. Unfortunately, the speed at which some disturbances affect watersheds outpaces the ability to publish research results and extend science-based solutions to these important management problems. Part of the challenge lies in the ability to detect change through monitoring methodologies and (or) select which methods/technologies are appropriate to employ. While numerous activities are currently being conducted in Northern BC to address some of these leading issues, region-specific extension programming to support and organize emerging information has not been targeted by the PFEP.

This project is designed to engage the watershed management community to increase the awareness of Northern research projects to improve access to relevant information and to develop an extension strategy in the area of watershed monitoring and measurement. While this extension project focusses on Northern British Columbia extension needs and issues, many of its outcomes will have relevance and can applied by the broader forestry community across British Columbia. Specific activities in this project include: Northern BC outreach and site visits; poster presentations outlining the PFEP and watershed management extension program at Northern events; compilation of a Northern inventory of watershed management research projects, trials, and contacts; and, design and development of a working session to identify key issues in watershed monitoring and measurement that will lead to the production of a strategic extension plan.

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