| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
The management of small-stream riparian zones is particularly important because small streams are a prominent feature in watersheds. Their cumulative channel length can represent upwards of 70% of the total channel length within a watershed. Despite their prominence within watersheds, their riparian zones are often afforded little to no retention. Such was the case in British Columbia under the Forest Practices Code, which did not specify riparian reserve zones for S4 streams (< 1.5 m bankfull width and fish-bearing). To address this issue, in 1999 the Prince George Forest District implemented a local policy to address resource agencies' concerns regarding riparian harvesting near S4 streams. The S4 policy focussed on maintaining 50-75% of natural stream shading, adequate short- and long-term supplies of large woody debris, and streambank root structure, and preventing mineral and organic fines from reaching the stream channel. |
