Dr. Richard McCleary draws the links between what we see in the field to the maps we have for planning and points out that the information we need for watershed assessment and riparian zones is the same. Unmapped streams are a financial liability for the Alberta forestry industry. Dr. McCleary proposes a stream classification process based on erosion processes. He shows some examples of assessments using the drainage network model combined with LiDAR information for forestry areas near Hinton, Alberta. Watershed assessment using the drainage network model was also tested in the Oldman River watershed where cattle, recreation and trout impacts were mapped.
Dr. Richard McCleary, Principal with McCleary Aquatic Systems Consulting, made his presentation at the Foothills Research Institute's Water Program Workshop, Feb. 6, 2013.
