Because of the extent of headwaters in the watershed, the freshwater they provide, the ecosystems they nourish, and the hydrologic and geological effects seen both locally and downstream, prudent management is of absolute necessity.  Judging by the visualization of the 30 and 100m buffers, a one-size-fits-all approach would clearly inhibit much of our logging industry, a mainstay of British Columbia’s economy.  On the other hand, a case-by-case approach does not meet the needs of the environment either, with minimal restrictions on private use and mounting evidence that current standards are insufficient.  So many of our headwaters are uncharted and so little research has been done, it is clear that further study is required first before any sweeping changes.  Oregon’s NWFP conservation strategy offers a good starting model for British Columbia because it allows for thinning with larger buffers.  However given the extent of forested land sales to private interests in the province of BC, these principles should probably be extended to private lands of a certain size or sensitivity as well.  In the case of headwaters protection it is most certainly prudent to legislate for healthy riparian reserves sooner, while research is being compiled, rather than undertake the much more challenging task of post-development or post-logging rehabilitation.

 

 

References

 

Benda, L., Hassan, M., Church, M., & May, C. (2005). Geomorphology of Steepland Headwaters: the Transition from Hillslopes to Channels. Journal of the         American Water Resources Association, 04071, 835-851.

 

Gomi, T., Sidle, R., & Richardson, J. (2002). Understanding Processes and Downstream Linkages of Headwater Systems. BioScience, 52, 905-916.

 

Haigh, M., Jansky, L., & Hellin, J. (2004). Headwater deforestation: a challenge for environmental management. Global Environmental Change, 14, 51-61.

 

Ip, J. (2011). The Role of Roots in Slope Stability (Unpublished thesis). Department of Forestry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

 

Oregon Wild (2012, February). BLM Practices vs Oregon Forest Practices Act. Online source: http://www.oregonwild.org

 

Rex, J., Maloney, D., Krauskopf, P., & Beaudry, L. (2012). Variable-retention riparian harvesting effects on riparian air and water temperature of sub-boreal   headwater streams in British Columbia. Forest Ecology and Management, 269, 259-270.

 

Richardson, J. (2003). Riparian Management along Headwater Streams in Coastal British Columbia. Streamline Watershed Management Bulletin, 7, 19-21.