Watershed Management Publications and Synthesis

Project Abstract:
Watershed management principles and practices have been refined immensely over the last few decades; however, much of the information has not been accessible or easily understood by people outside the specialty area. Therefore, there is an overall need for improved communication and application of current research knowledge to manage watersheds and associated water resources on a sustainable basis. This project is focused on improving access, capturing current watershed management knowledge and transfer information to users targeted at numerous identified needs. This focus will be achieved through project activities that include: i) Streamline Watershed Management Bulletin; ii) the Compendium of Forest Hydrology and Geomorphology in British Columbia and; iii) synthesis articles/ reports.

Synthesis articles proposed address timely extension needs in the field of Watershed management, capitalizing on known science based information in development of forest management decisions and strategies. A synthesis will be published addressing the impacts of forest management on groundwater which is a topic that has been identified as requiring extension. The synthesis will be published as a JEM article(s).

The extension specialists, in collaboration with our partners will produce two issues of the technical watershed management bulletin Streamline. The publication will be used to actively target watershed management information needs as identified in the watershed management extension plan and other needs assessment documents. Streamline aids in filling identified extension needs for clients to increase communication, awareness and knowledge of research and innovation in watershed management. The primary target audience including government policy makers and decision makers in the forest sector, forest managers, practitioners (hydrologists, geoscientists, fish biologists) and watershed management researchers (PFEP Client Needs Survey 2006).

The Compendium of Forest Hydrology and Geomorphology in British Columbia will capture the latest and most relevant scientific knowledge related to watershed management in British Columbia. This continued project is designed to capture over 30 years of BC forest hydrology / geomorphology research, FIA FSP research, and experience into a consolidated and readily accessible document. It is intended to promote an integrated understanding of forest hydrology and geomorphology issues among government policy makers / decision makers in the forest sector, forest managers, practitioners (hydrologists, geoscientists, fish biologists) and watershed management researchers. It’s focus is on principles and techniques, drawing on BC case studies to illustrate and move discussions from 'fundamentals' to application. The Watershed Management Extension Specialists will work with existing literature, FIA FSP proponents, and experts to finalize the remaining drafts (including peer review) of chapters and perform editorial functions in sewing the compendium together in preparation for publication in the fall winter 2008 2009. The compendium will also be the basis for future watershed management basics curriculum that is being developed in 2008/09. The compendium will provide known information related to several identified client needs that include forest management affects on water quality and quantity, riparian management and the response of watersheds to forest management and natural disturbances (Sustainable Provincial Advisory Committee 2005, PFEP Client Needs Survey 2006).

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