Research Projects

Mountain Pine Beetle and Hydrology

The Ministry of Forests and Range has been involved with a number of research projects examining hydrology issues related to pine beetle infestation. The following studies and analyses have been completed, or are in progress.

  1. Bowron River watershed: A retrospective of riparian function in watersheds impacted by the spruce bark beetle (implications for MPB-affected areas) – information available online
  2. Assessment of changing water table elevations in MPB-impacted watersheds
  3. Assessment of forest type along creeks in pine-dominated stands in the Vanderhoof Forest District
  4. Watershed sensitivity analysis pilot study for the Vanderhoof Forest District (a follow-up to project #3 above)
  5. Effects of riparian harvesting on fish habitat and ecology of small streams in the Prince George area
  6. Large woody debris and stream channels in Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification zones
  7. Annotated bibliography describing references for fish, wildlife and habitat stewardship related to managing the effect of the MPB attack – information available online
  8. Assessment of snow accumulation and melt in clearcuts, dead-standing forests attack by MPB, and healthy forests
  9. Review and synthesis of potential hydrologic impacts of MPB and related harvesting activities (article soon to be available)
  10. Hydrologic effects of MPB in Interior pine forests of British Columbia: Questions and current knowledge – information available online
  11. Hydrology, maps, and geographic data for watersheds affected by the mountain pine beetle in the Interior of British Columbia – information available online
  12. Kamloops forest hydrology abstracts library – information available online
  13. Penticton Creek: Assessment of water quality and quantity in MPB areas
  14. Mayson Lake: Snow accumulation and melt; and development of annual water balance in MPB-affected stands
  15. Thuya Lake: Snow accumulation and melt
  16. Fishtrap Creek: Study into the effects of wildfire on sediment, channel morphology, and aquatic habitat (can be used for MPB-damaged areas)
  17. Recommended operational procedures to address hydrological concerns
  18. MPB-impacted watersheds hydrological risk assessment (to be completed in March 2008)
  19. Watershed sensitivity analysis for the Vanderhoof Forest District
  20. Carbon flux study on MPB-infested stands and clearcuts (evaporation also measured)
  21. Determination of solar and long-wave radiation in MPB-attacked stands using hemispherical photography