Cumulative Post-harvest Riparian Assessment on Small-Non-alluvial streams within the Research Forest

An increase in both global temperatures and deforestation has put many small streams at risk in British Columbia. This project aims to understand the potential impacts of forest harvest, and the corresponding activities, including the creation of road crossing, on riparian habitats, and to track stream recovery post-harvest. Long term monitoring using the Forests and Range Evaluation Program (FREP) is used to assess stream function over time. This project will track stream recovery over time and will help better understand the impact of forestry practices on small streams, as increased water temperatures from small streams resulting from inadequate riparian retention and additional inputs of sedimentation can dramatically alter the composition of larger systems, compromising fish habitat. Understanding both the immediate, short-term impacts of forest practices on small streams, and long-term recovery of streams can help forest managers better protect valuable riparian habitat and waterways.