CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Brownlee, M.J.; and Shepherd, B.G.
Date : 1975
Title : Some effects of forest harvesting on water quality in the Slim Creek Watershed in the Central Interior of British Columbia. 1975.
Publication : Can. Tech. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci
Issue : 1613,
Page(s) : 41 p.
Abstract
The effects of forest harvesting practices on water quality were examined within a watershed 80 km east of Prince George in the central interior of British Columbia between 1971 and 1975. Suspended sediment loading in the study stream, Centenial Creek, increased 4 to 12 times over corresponding levels in an adjacent control stream. Mainline road development was the main source of increased levels of sediment which persisted for the duration of the three years of study. At associated tributaries, erosion from skid trails, landings, road crossings and streambank damage occurred during and after logging, but in contrast, it did not persist beyond the first summer after logging. Mean water temperatures increased 1 to 3 C following logging to the edge of small tributary streams. Diurnal fluctuations more than doubled. Although maximum water temperatures in these small streams increased up to 9 C they remained within tolerance levels for salmonids. When instream nutrients were at high concentrations, logged areas had 1-2 times the orthophosphate concentrations, 2-3 times the total phosphate concentrations, and up to 5 times the nitrate concentrations present in the unlogged watershed.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology