The FORWARD Project: Objectives, framework and initial integration into a detailed forest management plan in Alberta

Abstract

The Forest Watershed and Riparian Disturbance (FORWARD) project input into the Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. Detailed Forest Management Plan consists of three main components: 1) watershed and stream layer maps and associated datasets; 2) soil and wetland layer maps and associated datasets; and 3) a lookup table that permits planners to determine runoff coefficients (the variable selected for hydrological modelling) for functional first order watersheds, based upon various site factors and time since disturbance. The watershed and stream layer component includes a hydrological network, a Digital Elevation Model, and Strahler classified streams and watersheds for functional first and third order watersheds in the entire Millar Western Forest Management Agreement area. Relatively coarse mineral soils (which drain quickly) and wetlands (which retain water) were the key features that needed to be identified for the FORWARD modelling effort; therefore, the soil and wetland layers represent a combined soil texture and wetland coverage. The runoff coefficient lookup table integrates predictions of hydrologic impacts of harvest into planning.