Citation | Hudson, R and Anderson, A. 2006. Russell Creek: Summary of Research and Implications for Professional Practice. Forest Research Extension Note EN-022, Coast Forest Region. |
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Organization | FLNRO |
URL | https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/rco/research/hydroreports/en022.pdf |
Abstract/Description or Keywords | Watershed management is based on the application of models to predict the probable outcome of hypothetical management scenarios. There is enormous variability in the type and complexity of models that are used. In research, the preference is for process-based distributed hydrologic simulation models such as “Distributed Hydrology-Soil-Vegetation Model” (DHSVM, Wigmosta et al., 1994), while the professional community in BC bases much decision making for forested watersheds on the application of the Coastal and Interior Watershed Assessment Procedures (CWAP and IWAP, BC Ministry of Forests, 2001). Despite their obvious differences, these two types of model share a common problem: both must be based on a complete and accurate understanding of the dominant hydrological processes that govern the response of the watershed for which a decision is needed. Without that understanding, most models are based on the wrong theories, and as a result, management decisions based on application of those models may fail to produce the desired results. Research at Russell Creek has been under way for 15 years. Russell Creek is a 31 km2 sub-basin of the Tsitika River watershed on northeastern Vancouver Island (Figure 1), with active ongoing forest management and a logging history dating back to the early 1980s. The Tsitika River drains an area of 370 km2 into Robson Bight in the Strait of Georgia. Access to the watershed is gained via the Island Highway about half way between Sayward and Woss. Primarily a sediment budget research project, we are currently in a phase of the research that has led us to instrument the watershed intensively in an effort to develop a hydrological simulation model that accurately represents the variability among the dominant processes. Our long term objective is to develop an integrated, process-based model that can be used to investigate the effects of forest harvesting and roads on rain-on-snow (ROS) and sediment production processes. Funded by the Forest Science Program (FSP), the Tsitika River Sediment Budget Project (of which Russell Creek is the currently active phase) is applied research in that its primary aim is to produce a model that is operationally focused at the watershed scale, but conceptually accurate and based on commonly available data. We have identified several areas where theoretical understanding of the dominant processes is inadequate, and are conducting field studies to fill in these knowledge gaps. Along the way we have learned a lot about how coastal watersheds behave, and these findings can be translated into information leading to better-informed decision making for management of coastal watersheds. We have passed on much of this information in existing publications and at conferences in Canada and the USA. Our findings can be broken down into three categories: sediment production and transport (sediment budget), water quantity processes, and technical and innovative methods. |
Information Type | report |
Regional Watershed | Vancouver Island North |
Sub-watershed if known | Russell Creek |
Aquifer # | |
Comments | |
Project status | ongoing |
Contact Name | Bill Floyd |
Contact Email | [email protected] |