Forest management in small stream riparian zones has been an active research area for more than 20 years. Why all the interest? The reason is that small streams comprise most of the channel length in watersheds, they provide valuable habitat, and when combined they can influence downstream biophysical conditions. Further, due to their prevalence on the landscape and small size they are the channel type most at risk to negative effects from development. We will review local small stream research and provincial monitoring information to identify biophysical responses to disturbance and identify best management practices. Finally, by reviewing adaptive management of small streams we will highlight a path forward to addressing some of the climate change related watershed management challenges that lie ahead.

The Natural Resources & Environmental Studies Institute (NRESi) at UNBC hosts a weekly lecture series at the Prince George campus. Anyone from the university or wider community with interest in the topic area is welcome to attend. Presentations are also made available to remote participants through Livestream (Channel 1). Go to http://www.unbc.ca/nres-institute/colloquium-webcasts to view the presentation remotely.

Past NRESi colloquium presentations and special lectures can be viewed on our video archive, available here.