Research and cumulative watershed effects

Abstract

The mandate for land managers to address cumulative watershed effects (CWEs) requires that planners evaluate the potential impacts of their activities on multiple beneficial uses within the context of other coexisting activities in a watershed. Types of CWEs vary with the types of land-use activities and their modes of interaction, but published studies illustrate both descriptive and predictive evaluations of many of these types. Successful evaluations have generally used geomorphological and ecological approaches based on the understanding of the processes involved. In contrast, most generalized "cookbook" analysis procedures are shown to be unable to assess accumulations of impacts through time, usually cannot evaluate the range of activities and uses that are necessary, and are rarely validated. A general approach to evaluation is proposed, and the types of information available for assessments are reviewed.

Citation

Reid, L. M. 1993. Research and cumulative watershed effects. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-141. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 118 p