Watershed research
Last updated on July 8, 2024Watershed research addresses aspects of streamflow timing and amount, nutrients and sediment, snow accumulation and melt, and aquatic and riparian ecosystems. This includes the effects of logging, wildfire, insect infestation and forest regrowth. These studies help government make informed decisions to ensure the health of our environment.
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Upper Penticton Creek Watershed Experiment
The Upper Penticton Creek Watershed Experiment was established in 1984 by the B.C. government to characterize the hydrology of the dry southern interior. Since then, research has focused on quantifying changes in hydrologic processes following logging (e.g., streamflow quantity and timing, snow accumulation, and snowmelt). This research continues today as forests regrow.
Information gathered through this project has provided input into forest management, drinking water security, and protection of aquatic habitat.
Learn more about the Upper Penticton Creek Watershed Experiment
The West Arm Demonstration Forest
Originally designed as a demonstration forest, West Arm Demonstration Forest (WADF) included 135,000 ha of forest from above the shoreline of Kootenay Lake to the subalpine. The primary intent of the demonstration forest was to manage the landbase to protect resource values by applying and testing the newest concepts in forest management in an operational setting.
Learn more about the West Arm Demonstration Forest
Tsitika River Sediment Project
The Tsitika River Sediment Project began in 1991 to respond to concerns that sediment from the Tsitika River might negatively affect the killer whale rubbing beaches at Robson Bight Ecological Reserve. The objective of the project was to develop a sediment budget for the entire Tsitika River watershed and use it to determine the amount of sediment that results from forestry-related activities.