The impact of forestry practices on water-based recreation in northern Alberta

Forestry operations located near lakes or rivers impact the major ecological values of water clarity and recreational sportfishing through water quality changes. Changes in water quality arise from increased water and nutrient loadings with the removal of trees from the surrounding watershed or catchment area. The forest cover acts as a regulator of the amount of water and nutrients returning to the lake or river and a disturbance, such as forestry or fire, will alter this regulation and negatively impact the aquatic ecosystem. A key nutrient released by forestry is phosphorus. In Alberta's northern boreal forests total phosphorus (TP) is known to be the key state variable regulating the biological productivity of lakes and rivers. It is believed that phosphorus additions, beyond a specific threshold, will have a negative effect on water clarity and fish. This thesis will examine the negative forestry impact of an increase in total phosphorus on water clarity and recreational sportfishing values in northern Alberta. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).