Dr. Dave Wilford

Title

Forest stand characteristics as indicators of hydrogeomorphic activity on fans

Abstract

Forested fans are common landforms in west central British Columbia. They can be subject to hydrogeomorphic processes ranging from debris flows to floods carrying bedload and woody debris. These processes represent hazards for forest management activities such as road construction and harvesting. Conversely, forest management activities can exacerbate the effect of natural hydrogeomorphic processes, increasing the level of disturbance on fan surfaces and in stream channels. This thesis presents the scientific basis for a hazard classification of fans for forest management. The classification is based on forest stand characteristics, airphoto and site features, and basic watershed attributes. Forest stands are used to determine the power of hydrogeomorphic events (floods, debris floods, and debris flows). High-power events clear swaths through a forest stand, which lead to the establishment of distinctive cohorts. Low-power events lead to the deposition of sediments under a forest canopy, which generally results in growth responses rather than mortality or removal of the forest stand. In cases where there is mortality, tree stems remain in situ rather than being cleared from the affected area. Site features of sediment deposits are used to determine the hydrogeomorphic process. Watershed attributes were determined for identifying hydrogeomorphic processes, power and disturbance extent level. The attributes are basic morphometric parameters such as watershed area and relief, and most can be measured directly from topographic maps without the use of geographic information systems (GIS).

Dendroecological techniques were used to determine the number of events occurring on study fans. Regression equations were developed to predict the number of events in the past 50 years. The independent variables were watershed attributes that can be determined by a combination of topographic map measurements and GIS. An examination of 55 fans with forestry activities provides a comprehensive hazard perspective on key fan and watershed attributes, and on the influence of road construction and harvesting prescriptions in zones of fans that are subjective to active hydrogeomorphic processes. The hazard classification and the forestry activity review provide the first comprehensive basis for sustainable forest management on fans in British Columbia.

Research Experience

Dave’s research has focused on alluvial fans, fish-forestry interactions, landslides, and watershed processes.

Professional Experience

Dave has been a research forest hydrologist with the B.C. Forest Service in Smithers since 1975. He is also the Forest Sciences Team Leader.

Professional Affiliations

Dave is a Professional Forester and a Professional Geoscientist.

Commitee Membership

Dave is the Chairman of the Board of FORREX.

Awards, Grants and Scholarships

In 2006 Dave and his alluvial fan research and extension team were finalists in the B.C. Premier’s Awards, Innovation Category

Academic Qualifications

2003. The University of British Columbia: Doctor of Philosophy (Forestry)
1975. The University of British Columbia: Master of Forestry in Forest Hydrology
1973. The University of British Columbia: Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Forest Management

Millard, T.H., Wilford, D.J., and M. Oden. 2006. Coastal fan destabilization and forest management. B.C. Min. For. Range, Coast Forest Region, Nanaimo, B.C. Technical Report 034.

Wilford, D.J., Innes, J.L. and Hogan, D.L. (eds.) 2006. Protection Forests: recognizing and maintaining the forest influence with regard to hydrogeomorphic processes. Snow. Landsc. Res. 80(1).

Wilford, D.J., Innes, J.L. and Hogan, D.L. 2006. Protection Forests: recognizing and maintaining the forest influence with regard to hydrogeomorphic processes. For. Snow. Landsc. Res. 80(1): 7–10.

Sakals, M.E., Innes, J.L., Wilford, D.J., Sidle, R.C. and Grant, G.E. 2006. The role of forests in reducing hydrogeomorphic hazards. Forests, Snow and Landscape Research 80(1): 11–22.

Wilford, D.J., S.R. Morford, and R.G. Pike. 2006. Forest management on alluvial and colluvial fans: extension plan and evaluation survey of workshops, publications, and presentations. B.C. Min. For. and Range, Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. Tech. Rep. 031.

Wilford, D.J. and Sakals, M.E. 2006. Forest Management on Fans: Science-based research promotes best industry practices. Innovation 10(2): 32–35.

Wilford, D.J., Sakals, M.E., and Innes, J.L. 2005. Forest management on fans: hydrogeomorphic hazards and general prescriptions. B.C. Min. For., Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. Land Manage. Handb. No. 57.

Wilford, D.J., Cherubini, P., and Sakals, M.E. 2005. Dendroecology: a guide for using trees to date geomorphic and hydrologic events. B.C. Min. For., Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. Land Manage. Handb. No. 58.

Wilford, D.J., Sakals, M.E., Innes, J.L., and Sidle, R.C. 2005. Fans with forests: contemporary hydrogeomorphic processes on fans with forests in west central British Columbia, Canada. In: Harvey, A.M., A.E. Mather, and M. Stokes (eds.). Alluvial Fans: Geomorphology, Sedimentology, Dynamics. Geological Society, London. Special Publications 251: 24-40.

Innes, J.L., I. Edwards, and D.J. Wilford (eds.). 2005. Forest in the Balance: Linking Tradition and Technology. Abstracts. XXII IUFRO World Congress, 8–13 August 2005, Brisbane, Australia. International Forestry Review 7(5), August 2005.

Wilford, D.J., Sakals, M.E., and Innes, J.L. 2005. The hydrogeomorphic role of riparian forest stands on fans. In: Innes, J.L., I. Edwards, and D.J. Wilford (eds.). 2005. Forest in the Balance: Linking Tradition and Technology. Abstracts. XXII IUFRO World Congress, 8–13 August 2005, Brisbane, Australia. International Forestry Review 7(5), August 2005.

Sakals, M.E., Sidle, R.C., Innes, J.L., Wilford, D.J., and Grant, G.E. 2005. The role of forests in reducing hydrogeomorphic hazards. In: Innes, J.L., I. Edwards, and D.J. Wilford (eds.). 2005. Forest in the Balance: Linking Tradition and Technology. Abstracts. XXII IUFRO World Congress, 8–13 August 2005, Brisbane, Australia. International Forestry Review 7(5), August 2005.

Wilford, D.J. and Sakals, M.E. 2005. Protection forests: keeping watershed reserves functioning. Journal of Ecosystem Management 6(2): 139–142.

Wilford, D.J., Sakals, M.E., Innes, J.L., Sidle, R.C., and Bergerud, W.A. 2004 Recognition of debris flow, debris flood and flood hazard through watershed morphometrics. Landslides 1(1): 61-66.

Grainger, B and Wilford, D.J. 2004. The effects of fire on geomorphic processes. Streamline Watershed Management Bulletin. 7(4): 16. Wilford, D.J., Sakals, M.E., Innes, J.L., and D. Ripmeester. 2004. Kitsequecla fan case study: specific risk analysis. In: VanDine, D., M. Wise, and G. Moore (eds.). Landslide hazard and risk case studies in forest planning and operations. MOF, Victoria, BC. Land Management Handbook. 56: 83-89.

Wilford, D.J. and R. Lalonde. 2004. A Framework for Effective Watershed Monitoring. Streamline Watershed Management Bulletin 8(1): 5-10.

Wilford, D.J. 2003. Forest stand characteristics as indicators of hydrogeomorphic activity on fans. PhD thesis. UBC Faculty of Forestry. 244pp.

Wilford, D.J. and Sakals, M.E. 2003. Identifying hydrogeomorphic hazards for forest management on fans. Aspect, the DEGIFS newsletter, APEGBC. 8:1.

Wilford, D.J., Sakals, M.E., and Innes, J.L. 2003. Forestry on fans: a problem analysis. Forestry Chronicle. 79(2).

Wilford, D.J. 2003. Monitoring – some perspectives for success. Streamline Watershed management Bulletin. 7(2): 5-7.

Wilford, D.J., Sakals, M.E., and Innes, J.L. 2002. Forestry on Fans: Identifying hydrogeomorphic hazards. In: Jordan, P. and Orban, J. (eds.) Terrain stability and forest management in the interior of British Columbia. B.C. Min. For. Res. Program, Victoria, B.C. Tech. Rep. 3.

Wilford, D.J., Sakals, M.E., and Innes, J.L. 2001. Forest Management and Restoration on Fans. Watershed Restoration Tech. Bulletin Streamline. 6(3): 1-8.

Wilford, D.J. 1998. Tributary Alluvial Fans. Extension Note #30. B.C. Min. For., Smithers, B.C.

Hogan, D.L., Bird, S.A., and Wilford, D.J. 1996. Channel conditions and prescriptions assessment (Interim Methods). B.C. Ministries of Forests and Environment. Victoria, B.C. Watershed Restoration Technical Circular No. 7.

Hogan, D.L. and Wilford, D.J. 1989. A sediment transfer hazard classification system: linking erosion to fish habitat. In: Alexander, E.B. (ed.). Proceedings of Watershed ’89. USDA FS, Alaska Region. R10-MB-77. pp. 143-155.

Wilford, D.J. 1987. Watershed Workbook: Forest hydrology sensitivity analysis for coastal BC watersheds. B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C. Sanders, P.R.W. and Wilford, D.J. 1986. Silvicultural alternatives for the management of unstable sites in the Queen Charlotte Islands: a literature review and recommendations. B.C. Min. For., Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. Land Manage. Handb. No. 42.

Wilford, D.J. 1984. The sediment-storage function of large organic debris at the base of unstable slopes. In: Meehan, W.R., T.R. Merrell Jr. and T.A. Hanley (eds.) Fish and Wildlife Relationships in Old-Growth Forests: Proceedings of a symposium held in Juneau, Alaska. April 1982. Amer. Inst. Fish. Res. Biol. pp.115-119.

Wilford, D.J. and Schwab, J.W. 1982. Soil mass movements in the Rennell Sound Area, Queen Charlotte Islands, B.C. Proceedings of the Can. Hydrol. Symp. ’82, Hydrological Processes of Forested Areas. Fredricton, NB. Nat. Res. Coun. of Can. pp. 521-541.

Toews, D.A.A. and Wilford, D.J. 1978. Watershed management considerations for operational planning on TFL 39 (Blk 6A). Graham Island. Fisheries and Environment Canada. Fisheries and Marine Service Manuscript Report 1473.

Wilford, D.J. 1975. Review of literature to 1975 of forestry hydrology pertinent to the management of mountainous watersheds. B.C. Min. For., Res. Br., Victoria, B.C. Land Man. Report 2.

Alluvial Fans 2007, Banff, June 18–22, 2007. Presentation: “Active fans and grizzly bears: balancing risks for wilderness campers”

FORREX Science Forum, Kamloops, Sept. 31 2005 – poster – “The hydrogeomorphic role of riparian forest stands on fans”.

IUFRO Congress, Brisbane, August 9 and 10, 2005 – poster – “The hydrogeomorphic role of riparian forest stands on fans”.

IUFRO Congress, Brisbane, August 9, 2005. Organized and lead the session titled: “Protection forests: recognizing and maintaining the forest influence with regard to hydrogeomorphic processes”.

Joint Conference of IUFRO 3.06 Forest Operations under Mountainous Conditions and the 12th International Mtn. Logging Conf, Vancouver, June 14, 2004. – presentation – “Logging on alluvial and colluvial fans: improving the bottom line”

AGM of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC, Whistler, Oct. 22, 2004 (60 participants).- presentation – “An update of fan research in west-central BC”.

MOF Provincial Engineering Meeting, Richmond, Mar. 26, 2003. (120 participants) -presentation – “Forest Roads on Fans”.

Alluvial Fans Conference, Sorbas, Spain, June 2003. -presentation – “Fans with forests: contemporary hydrogeomorphic processes on fans with forests in west central British Columbia, Canada.

AGM of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC, Penticton, Oct. 24, 2003 (60 participants). – presentation – “Seeing the forest for the trees: identifying hydrogeomorphic hazards on fans”.

Landslides and Natural Resources, International Consortium of Landslides, Vancouver, Oct 30, 2003 (120 participants) – presentation – “Differentiating hydrogeomorphic hazards using watershed morphometrics”

Integrated Resource Management Conference, Prince George, Nov 12-14, 2003 – poster – “The Hydrogeomorphic Role of Riparian Forests on Fans”

Symposium on small stream channels and their riparian zone: their form, function and ecological importance in a watershed context. UBC. Feb. 18-20, 2002. – poster – “Hydrogeomorphic Role of Riparian Forests on Fans”

2002 Interior Watershed Conference. Kamloops. March 12-14, 2002. (325 participants) – poster and presentation – “Science-Based Forest Management on Fans”.

Watershed Analysis Workshop: Linking Science with Results-Based Management. Nanaimo. March 26, 2002. (128 participants) – poster and presentation – “Fans in the Context of Watershed Analysis”

Mountain Forests: Conservation & Management – IUFRO conf. Vernon, Jul 29- Aug 2, 2002. – poster and presentation – “A Hazard Classification for Forestry on Fans”

WSL Swiss Federal Research Institute, Birmensdorf, Switzerland. Feb. 2001. Forest management issues on fans in west central British Columbia and a proposed forest stand based hazard classification.

Terrain stability and forest management in the interior of British Columbia. May 23-25, 2001. – poster – Forest Management on Fans: Identifying hydrogeomorphic hazards. 200 participants

Coastal Forest Site Rehabilitation Conference, November 27-29, 2001. (182 participants) -presented poster- Forest Management and Restoration on Fans

Small Streams – Friends of Forest Hydrology, Prince George. Oct. 3-5, 2000 – Issues with small streams on fans, 40 participants

American Geophysical Union, AGM, San Francisco, Dec. 1999. – presentation – “Forest management on fans”