Engaging with Experts in Managing Riparian Zones, Small Streams, and Aquatic Habitat

Project Abstract:
Aquatic species, especially wild salmon, are a highly valued component of BC’s watersheds that connect humans with their watersheds. Management of riparian areas, wetlands, small streams and aquatic habitat are high-profile issues within the WM realm in BC. With declines in aquatic ecosystem health, there is a need for greater integration and communication between the watershed management and aquatic conservation communities to improve management and conservation of aquatic species such as wild salmon.

The goal of this project is to assist in planning strategies, integrating groups and extending current knowledge related to various wild salmon, small streams, ecosystem restoration and integrated watershed management initiatives to bridge the gap between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem management knowledge, policy and practices. As result of this project priority client needs related to several topic areas will be addressed: riparian ecology and management, watershed functions, watershed stewardship, species-at-risk recovery (e.g. salmonids), watershed response and ecological restoration (Sustainability Program Advisory Committee Priorities 2005).

Activities will likely include:
i) Participation in various discussions around policy and science relating to watersheds. This includes terrestrial, small stream and large river ecosystems and impacts of terrestrial activities on these ecosystems.
ii) participation in an Fraser Basin Council Aquatic Information Partnership initiative to work towards harmonizing salmon habitat monitoring in the Fraser Basin; and
iii) Involvement in developing collaborative projects involving current Watershed Management Extension initiatives such as the Streamline Watershed Management Bulletin, the Compendium of Forest Hydrology and Geomorphology in British Columbia and other best practices.

Extension support will be provided to:
i) FIA-FSP Carnation Creek LTRI project; and
ii) MPBI funded joint project between BC Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Forests and Range examining watershed modelling at the Fraser River Basin scale.

Target audiences for secondary extension products include practitioners and forest managers, planners and operations. This project will result in increased knowledge and awareness of innovative watershed management research and expertise; increase science-based knowledge in management decisions in preparing plans and mitigation strategies.

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