Modelling the effects of boreal forest landscape management upon streamflow and water quality: Basic concepts and considerations

Abstract

Modelling and predicting potential impacts of forest harvest operations and wildfire on water quantity and quality are critical tools for forest managers. To make these predictions, the impacts of harvest operations and wildfire on model input parameters must first be quantified with measurements. In addition, output data are required to validate the model before any meaningful predictions can be made. This component of the Forest Watershed and Riparian Disturbance (FORWARD) project will closely associate hydrologic and water quality simulation modelling with intensive field monitoring of disturbance effects in forests of the Boreal Plain subregion of western Canada. The goal is to develop modelling procedures that can be used for predicting the impacts of forest operations and wildfires on water quantity and quality of stream runoff on the Boreal Plain. Key words: runoff, water quality, non-point source water quality modelling, hydrologic modelling, watershed management, riparian zone, forestry management.