Resource Roads and Wetlands: Practical Applications to Maintain Hydrologic Connectivity

Authors
Clayton Gillies
Contacts
Resource Date:
January
2016

Various natural resource industries develop access roads in Canada’s remote landscapes. Often these resource roads pass through wetlands, such as fens, bogs, and swamps, and thus present environmental and operational challenges for road managers. In addition, the effects of these resource roads on the many ecological functions of wetlands are of increasing concern to Canada’s forest industry, other resource-based industries, governments, and conservation organizations. When a resource road is built through a wetland, the wetland’s hydrologic functions may be compromised; without the knowledge of a wetlands flow characteristics and relevant planning, resource roads can alter the hydrology of a wetland by interfering or blocking flows. Understanding and promoting adequate water management techniques for resource roads in wetlands may conceivably address many environmental and operational challenges. With careful planning, knowledge of wetlands and their flow characteristics, and the development and use of best management practices (BMPs) for water management, it is anticipated that resource roads crossing wetlands can function as anticipated without negatively impacting the wetland. When developing and implementing industry BMPs the intent is to minimize negative impacts caused by operations. Operator training is critical for the successful implementation of BMP’s in the field. This presentation will highlight practical and operational applications of water management techniques for resource roads crossing wetlands.