Water Stewardship Information Sources
| Citation | Redding, T. and J. Leach. 2012. A synthesis of the effects of natural disturbance and post-disturbance management on streamflow, stream temperature, suspended sediment, and aquatic invertebrate populations. FORREX Series 28, Chapter 3. |
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| Organization | FORREX |
| URL | http://www. forrex.org/forrex_series/forrex-series-28 |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | Some of the most dramatic effects of climate change are expected to be changes in the hydrologic regime. Increased temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns have the potential to alter both the availability and quality of freshwater. The purpose of this synthesis article is to review the research on the effects of natural disturbance (focused on wildfire and insect infestation) and post-disturbance management actions on key watershed processes or values, including the streamflow magnitude and timing, stream temperature, suspended sediment, and aquatic invertebrate population dynamics. In general, research shows that the potential effects on hydrologic processes and watershed functions are greater following post-disturbance activities; however, the limited available research on past post-disturbance management practices has primarily examined the effects of clearcut salvage harvesting. To maintain the resilience of watersheds, management activities should be designed to maintain as much natural hydrologic and ecosystem function as possible. The potential effects of management interventions must be considered at both the landscape and site scales. Key management considerations to maintain resilience include maximizing retention of riparian canopy cover within 10m of stream channels, minimizing the introduction of fine sediments into streams and monitoring the effects of disturbances and management interventions to support adaptive management. |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | Province |
| Sub-watershed if known | |
| Aquifer # | |
| Comments | |
| Project status | complete |
| Contact Name | Todd Redding |
| Contact Email | [email protected] |