| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Between 26 - 29 September 2003, on a Wells Gray Tour I had the opportunity to evaluate visually the aquatic habitat and water quality conditions in several lakes and a few streams and rivers of the upper Bridge River system in southern-central British Columbia (Fig. 1), and also to collect a few water samples for analysis. The effects of human activities on aquatic habitat and water quality in the upper Bridge River system date back to the second half of the 19th century with mining exploration and development, followed in the mid 20th century by large-scale hydro-electric development, and more recently by forestry activities. The latter have the potential of affecting water quality conditions in several remarkably clear and recreationally important waters such as Gun and Tyaughton lakes, as of course do extensive shoreline cottage and house development. The purpose of this report is to record and comment on the few observations and measurements of water quality conditions in the upper Bridge River system, to suggest where and when other such measurements should be made, and to indicate what parameters should be included especially with reference to tracking potential effects from the various activities of forestry. This now seems to be an issue of considerable concern to some of the populace, especially those in the Gun Lake area (pers. comrn. N. Ashmore). water quality, forest harvest |
