Mackenzie Myers presented a poster titled, “Investigating timber harvest impacts on streamwater quality using end member mixing analysis” at the EESC Research Symposium held at UBC Okanagan in April 2023.
Freshwater resources in forested catchments in British Columbia are under increasing strain due to forest disturbance, including anthropogenic influences such as timber harvest. Understanding the impacts of regional timber harvesting activities on streamwater quality requires knowledge of the flow processes and chemical controls of the watershed.
Mackenzie’s research focuses on modelling these processes towards a better understanding of forest disturbance impacts. Mackenzie is using isotopes and geochemistry to understand flow paths, residence time, and interactions between surface siwɬkʷ (water) and groundwater in the sqʷʔa (Peachland Creek) watershed. An improved understanding of the watershed’s hydrological processes can support integrated watershed modelling and other water-related assessments.
Streamflow metrics, streamwater and precipitation chemical data, and stable water isotopic data is being collected over a two-year period, focusing on critical zones within the watershed such as Peachland Lake and streams adjacent to previous industrial operations, including mining activity and clear-cut areas. Extracted data, along with supporting meteorological information will be applied towards the model.
The tentative research goal is to quantify the partitioned source contribution of timber harvest areas on the chemistry of Peachland Creek watershed, along with other key end-member sources to be decided as modelling is initiated.
This research could aid in understanding the impacts of timber harvest on the watershed’s chemistry. Findings from this research may guide resource management decisions by municipal and provincial authorities, including timber and freshwater resource management.
Mackenzie Myers, MSc Student, Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographic Sciences, presenting a research poster at the 2023 EESC Research Symposium held in April 2023 at UBC Okanagan.
Article written by Marni Turek (based on the abstract for the research poster).
