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Ecosystem-based Management  |  
Hydroriparian Planning Guide

Hydroriparian zones are the areas around streams and creeks, which, in addition to supporting unique species and rich ecosystems, have an important impact on the surrounding landscape. The Hydroriparian Planning Guide (HPG) will aid in the evaluation of these areas, their components, and their importance to the larger ecosystems.

The HPG was intended to help forest managers in the Central and North Coast of British Columbia and Haida Gwaii/QCI manage the impacts of forestry activity on hydroriparian ecosystems within the context of an ecosystem-based approach to forest management. It will also guide adaptive management to support improved understanding of hydroriparian ecosystems and the effects of forest management practices on them over time.

The HPG was based on a comprehensive review of scientific literature, Forest Practices Board Audits, other reports, and practical experience with managing forestry development activities. Specifically, the HPG:

• identifies hydroriparian ecosystem functions at several scales from landscape to site
• identifies indicators for hydroriparian functions at each scale
• provides guidance for assessing hydroriparian ecosystems in specific locations
• defines risk to hydroriparian functions that may be created by forest management activities
• identifies levels of risk for ecosystem-based management at each scale
• provides a range of management approaches and prescriptions consistent with these levels for implementation at various spatial scales that a manager can use to maintain hydroriparian ecosystems and,
• provides a framework for adaptive management and monitoring.

Hydroriparian Planning Guide Report
( 1 Mb)

http://www.citbc.org.