1. Water Quality Effectiveness Evaluation (2015) The WQEE protocol has been implemented in DSS since 2007. Staff have now collected data from 161 sample sites, 90 within Bulkley TSA. WQEE “priority evaluation” questions: Are forest practices effective in protecting water quality? Are forest and range practices increasing the risk of drinking water health hazards? Turbidity is used as a proxy for Water Quality. Protocol is focused on obtaining an estimate of the amount of fine sediment generated from roads and cutblocks. Sample Area –start-point is one of top 10 openings from 200-opening Random List. Sample Area includes the cutblock itself, and access roads to that cutblock (spurs, branches, mainline). Sample Area is variable – extent is dependent on what can be sampled during the field day. Ideally look to sample eligible sites along access roads, downslope to the point of crossing with the primary stream in watershed sub-basin.

2. Eligible sample sites: All road stream crossings (bridge and culvert) – TRIM 1 (FWA). Streams missing from TRIM are added to sample if encountered. NCDs are not eligible as sampling sites unless connectivity to downstream waterbody is proven. Inter-drainage culverts and road segments located within 20 meters of stream or lake. Road generated slope failure. Any failure either immediately above or below road. Harvesting/yarding within or adjacent to riparian zone. Skidder/mechanized harvester trails or disturbed areas (e.g. site prep) in proximity to riparian zone. Harvesting generated slope failure (all new failures within or below cutblock). Livestock presence noted within riparian zone and stream channel.

3. Actions undertaken through protocol: Map site components Calculate their fine sediment contribution Assign sample site to a SGC - Sediment Generating Class (very low to very high) Where moderate or higher SGC, develop recommendations for improved management to reduce sediment loading – e.g. – strategically locate culverts – construct sediment trap – use cross ditches, kickouts, etc. – armour bare soil and areas of concentrated flow – crown or reslope the road – remove berms (e.g. grading berms)

4. 2015/16 WQEE Results.

5. Sample Area 1, Sample Site 3 Component Map.

6. Sample Area 1 Site 3 – Photo, facing south

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9. Sample Area 3, Sample Site 4 Component Map (connect to William’s Creek).

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