Turkey Lakes tree harvesting impacts project: chapter 8

Forest Hydrology

Since 1980, water flow and quality have been monitored at weirs such as this at the Turkey Lakes Watershed.

Precipitation collectors measure water input to the watershed, the weirs measure output in streamflow. Evapotranspiration is another output from the system which may decrease as a result of harvesting.

Measures of water quality include concentrations of major and minor ions, dissolved organic carbon, and sedimentation.

Following harvesting, there is an initial flush of water and nutrients from the system. Research will examine differences in nutrient losses by harvesting treatment. Clear cutting poses the most severe loss of nutrients. Researchers aim to identify the impacts of shelterwood and selection systems.