River regulation and riparian woodlands along the lower Red Deer River, Alberta
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Date
2017
Authors
Philipsen, Laurens J.
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biological Sciences
Abstract
This thesis investigates the historical trends and prospective future streamflow of the Red Deer River and the impacts of streamflow management on the reproduction and health of riparian cottonwood communities along the lower river. No common trends were detected in the historical streamflow data for the Red Deer River and its upper tributaries. Annual streamflow volumes and the onset of peak discharge have not changed from 1912 to 2012. Hydroclimatic modelling forecasted slight increases in annual streamflow volumes. Aerial photograph analysis, dendrochronology, and field transects of cottonwood communities along the lower river through Dinosaur Provincial park revealed no changes in tree growth and continued cottonwood recruitment despite the construction of the Dickson Dam in 1983. However, some improvements to the pattern of streamflow regulation, particularly flow ramping, are recommended to ensure the continued health of riparian cottonwood communities along the Red Deer River.
Description
Keywords
cottonwood communities , flow ramping , riparian health , riparian reproduction , seasonal streamflow volume , streamflow management , Cottonwood -- Ecology , Cottonwood -- Effect of water levels on -- Red Deer River (Alta. and Sask.) , Riparian areas -- Red Deer River (Alta. and Sask.) -- Management , Riparian ecology -- Red Deer River (Alta. and Sask.) , Riparian areas -- Red Deer River (Alta. and Sask.) , Dams -- Environmental aspects -- Red Deer River (Alta. and Sask.) , Red Deer River (Alta. and Sask.) -- Regulation , Streamflow -- Red Deer River (Alta. and Sask.) , Stream measurements -- Red Deer River (Alta. and Sask.) -- Mathematical models