Coast Forest Region Research Section - Hydrology

About

Conducting studies on the effects of forest practices on stream channels, streamflow and fish habitat, with an emphasis on the mitigating the impacts on biophysical processes and water quality. Determining the effects of forests and land use practices on snowmelt and runoff that may affect the quantity and timing of streamflow and groundwater regimes. Developing models for assessing increases in peakflows following clearcutting, determining sediment budgets for a small coastal watershed, studying precipitation, interception and streamflow processes, producing hydrological zones for the Coast Region and identifying emerging issues in watershed hydrology.

Forest harvesting and silvicultural activities can have a significant impact on watersheds, affecting the quantity and quality of streamflow, stream channel morphology and fish habitat. As cut levels in watersheds increase, the cumulative effect of these practices also increases. If forestry is to be a sustainable industry in multi-resource watersheds, then it is important to have an understanding of the impacts and how to manage forest activities over time in order to sustain riparian conditions, fishery resources and water quality and quantity. Watershed restoration also requires a comprehensive understanding of basin hydrological processes.

Staff