Forest and Range Evaluation Program fish/riparian monitoring
Last updated on September 5, 2024The goal of monitoring is to determine whether Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) standards and practices governed by regulation are achieving the desired result of protecting water quality, fish habitat, wildlife habitat and biodiversity associated with riparian areas.
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Priority question
“Are riparian forestry and range practices effective in maintaining the structural integrity and functions of stream and wetland ecosystems and other aquatic resource features over both short and long terms?”
Management practices in some situations are prescribed under statute, while in other situations the experience of a licensed professional is utilized to determine the appropriate site-specific prescriptions to meet government objectives. The areas without regulated practice requirements are one of the priorities for FREP monitoring and evaluation.
How the fish/riparian value is evaluated
The effectiveness of riparian management in terms of stream and wetland functioning condition is assessed using indicators pertaining to both biological and physical processes. Sites are randomly selected on an annual basis and assessments are conducted within or adjacent to cutblocks logged 1 to 3 years prior. Given the interconnectivity of aquatic ecosystems and fish habitats within drainage basins, conclusions of functioning condition at the site level also have implications for downstream or otherwise connected habitats.