Testing Erosion Prediction Tools in the Simonette River Watershed, Northern Alberta

This project aims to provide real-world, verifiable estimates of impacts to watersheds from usage of back-country logging and resource roads. fRI in partnership with the University of Alberta, MiTACS and Canfor is testing computer-based tools developed in the United States to apply them to watersheds in Alberta. Given the different geography, soil types, and relief in Alberta, these tools may need to be refined to reflect the unique conditions present in our foothills natural region. The outcome of this project will be a better understanding of resource road impacts, and a suite of tools suited to reduce the impacts of resource road usage on surface water quality and fish habitat.

Faculty Supervisor:

Axel Anderson

Student:

Kenneth Jared Fath

Partner:

Canadian Forest Products

Discipline:

Resources and environmental management

Sector:

Forestry

University:

University of Alberta