Intensively Monitored Watersheds (IMW): Lessons from the Past and Future Guidance

Intensive, catchment-scale research and monitoring efforts have generated results instrumental to our understanding of the effects of land management on stream hydrology (Coweeta) and biogeochemical cycling (Hubbard Brook). In the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia similar studies (H.J. Andrews, Alsea Watershed, Carnation Creek, B.C.) have provided the technical basis for forest practices regulations to protect aquatic habitat. This model has recently spawned a number of Intensively Monitored Watersheds (IMW) across the Pacific Northwest. These IMWs vary in climatic setting, catchment area, salmonid species studied, type of habitat restoration implemented, and study design, but they share a common goal of evaluating the response of fish populations to extensive habitat restoration. The goal of this symposium is to present information to learn from past and current efforts and to provide direction for future watershed scale evaluation of restoration or other habitat impacts in the northwestern U.S.  The session includes examples of ongoing IMWs using different study designs (Before-After Control-Impact and Before-After), restoration methods, and data analysis.