Integrated Watershed Research Group
The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) proudly houses the Integrated Watershed Research Group (IWRG), comprising a team of distinguished researchers: Dr. Stephen Déry (Environmental Science), Dr. Philip Owens (Environmental Science), Dr. Eduardo Martins (Freshwater Fish Specialist), and Dr. Margot Parkes (Health Science). Throughout the years, their collaborative efforts have advanced integrated watershed-based research, with a strong emphasis on the Fraser River Basin and several river basins in northern BC, including the Nechako and Quesnel Watersheds. As they embark on Phase 3, the group searches for deeper integration among all stakeholders of these watersheds, particularly First Nations communities. Their research in this phase will focus on four themes: (1) Establishing a Network of Experimental Watersheds for Integrated Research, (2) Investigating the Impacts of Landscape Disturbances on Sediment and Contaminant Fluxes, (3) Studying Fish Responses to Environmental Changes, and (4) Identifying Co-benefits for Climate, Catchments (Watersheds), and Communities. Phase 3 of IWRG is funded by the Nechako Environmental Enhancement Fund - NEEF and has a two-year period of action between July 2023 and July 2025.
Previous phases
We sincerely thank Dr. Ellen Petticrew (Geography), a former researcher of the IWRG, whose early involvement laid the baseline for our ongoing studies. Dr. Petticrew, though not participating in Phase 3, significantly shaped our trajectory with her pioneering collaborations on the Nechako dating back to the 1990s. We extend our profound gratitude for her invaluable contributions during the project's previous phases from 2014-2022. Additionally, we express heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Barry Booth, former IWRG research manager, whose collaborative spirit played a vital role in the success of our group’s work. Past and present scientific collaborations move us forward with renewed energy and commitment to broaden research.
Integrated Watershed Research Group publishes 10 years of collaborative, interdisciplinary, and innovative research in watershed
It is with immense pleasure that the Integrated Watershed Research Group (IWRG) comes to announce that it has published its most recent article in the Plos Water Journal: Towards an Integrative Understanding of British Columbia’s Nechako Watershed: Connecting Knowledge Systems to Strengthen Understanding of Climate Change, watershed security, health and well-being.
UNBC research group launches third phase of Nechako River Basin study
Building on earlier findings, the Integrated Watershed Research Group will embark on the third phase of an interdisciplinary research project with the overarching goal of enhancing readiness for comprehensive responses to the dynamic relationships between climate, water and communities within the Nechako River Basin.
Reflections from the Koh-Learning program
UNBC's Koh-Learning team reflected on their unique collaborative learning program centred around the waterways in the Nechako watershed during a Research Week special presentation.
UNBC appoints climate change and water security research chair in partnership with NSERC and Rio Tinto
Dr. Stephen Déry is the new NSERC/Rio Tinto Senior Industrial Research Chair in Climate Change and Water Security. The $1.5 million in research funding will allow Déry to to better understand the impacts of climate change and human activity on the long-term water security of the Nechako watershed.
