Ecofish Research has developed a series of integrated remote sensing tools and techniques for watershed assessment. Using state of the art stream network modelling methodologies in conjunction with established methods of cumulative effects assessment we are able to display pressures on aquatic, riparian, and wetland ecosystems resulting from forest development, landscape alteration, linear developments, and climate change in a tool that is easily accessible to watershed managers. This methodology uses geospatial data and basin scale models to calculate standard cumulative effects metrics (e.g., equivalent cut area, road density, etc.) in addition to novel metrics such as riparian stream class, current and future maximum weekly average stream temperature, and others. However, unlike standard watershed assessment protocols that assess watersheds at a handful of preselected basin outlets, we have developed a method to leverage attributes within the BC Freshwater Atlas stream network that allow us to calculate metrics at the stream reach scale. Our resulting tool uses a web-based mapping system to display watershed pressures calculated for each reach across the entire stream network from headwaters to mainstem. This allows users to pinpoint particular stream reaches with high levels of watershed development pressures or susceptibility to the effects of climate change on stream temperatures, for example. The ability to clearly visualize development and climate change pressures at the stream reach scale across the entire watershed area allows managers to target monitoring and restoration programs where they are most needed and to identify priority areas where land use may require corrective management.
