Watershed restoration has in recent years received a great deal of attention from policy makers and other stakeholders in British Columbia. Two hundred twenty seven watershed restoration projects were approved for funding by Forest Renewal British Columbia during the 1995-1996 fiscal year, with an approved budget of $22.2 million dollars. Despite this attention, there is no clear agreement on what watershed restoration is or how it should be evaluated. There is a pressing need for a watershed restoration evaluation process to be developed and implemented at the program level. The purpose of this research is to develop an evaluative framework for watershed restoration initiatives generally, and apply it to the Squamish River Watershed Restoration Project as a means of testing and improving the framework. In the process an evaluation of the Squamish River Watershed Restoration Project is conducted. The methods used to conduct this research included: (1) a comprehensive review of project reports, proposals and other relevant literature, (2) the design and application of a structured evaluative framework and (3) informational interviews with individuals representing legitimate interests in the case study. The evaluative framework appeared to be successful at measuring the performance of the case study, and may have great potential as a program evaluation tool. Application of this evaluative framework to other watershed restoration initiatives may help advance the goals of ecological restoration and sustainable development through investment in natural capital. It is recommended that future initiatives could benefit by: • Utilizing an ecosystem approach to natural resource management, one that emphasizes investment in natural capital, the establishment and maintenance of self sustaining social and ecological systems. • Utilizing a commonly recognized definition of ecological restoration, as promoting: (1) ecologically and socially desirable ecosystem values; (2) identifies functional and structural elements essential to self-sustaining systems; (3) facilitation of ecosystem recovery. • Applying the principles of decision analysis, and the use of the fundamental objectives that have been developed as a part of this work throughout the different phases of the project. • Incorporating the principles and practice of Adaptive Management. • Incorporating a collaborative approach to problem solving and, decision making when appropriate.

Watershed restoration has in recent years received a great deal of attention from policy makers and other stakeholders in British Columbia. Two hundred twenty seven watershed restoration projects were approved for funding by Forest Renewal British Columbia during the 1995-1996 fiscal year, with an approved budget of $22.2 million dollars. Despite this attention, there is no clear agreement on what watershed restoration is or how it should be evaluated. There is a pressing need for a watershed restoration evaluation process to be developed and implemented at the program level. The purpose of this research is to develop an evaluative framework for watershed restoration initiatives generally, and apply it to the Squamish River Watershed Restoration Project as a means of testing and improving the framework. In the process an evaluation of the Squamish River Watershed Restoration Project is conducted. The methods used to conduct this research included: (1) a comprehensive review of project reports, proposals and other relevant literature, (2) the design and application of a structured evaluative framework and (3) informational interviews with individuals representing legitimate interests in the case study. The evaluative framework appeared to be successful at measuring the performance of the case study, and may have great potential as a program evaluation tool. Application of this evaluative framework to other watershed restoration initiatives may help advance the goals of ecological restoration and sustainable development through investment in natural capital. It is recommended that future initiatives could benefit by: • Utilizing an ecosystem approach to natural resource management, one that emphasizes investment in natural capital, the establishment and maintenance of self sustaining social and ecological systems. • Utilizing a commonly recognized definition of ecological restoration, as promoting: (1) ecologically and socially desirable ecosystem values; (2) identifies functional and structural elements essential to self-sustaining systems; (3) facilitation of ecosystem recovery. • Applying the principles of decision analysis, and the use of the fundamental objectives that have been developed as a part of this work throughout the different phases of the project. • Incorporating the principles and practice of Adaptive Management. • Incorporating a collaborative approach to problem solving and, decision making when appropriate. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

Water use planning today necessitates an integrated approach that includes sustainability considerations. We rely upon our water resources to satisfy a lengthy list of needs yet we often mistreat this irreplaceable, vital resource. Members of society are acknowledging the situation and are increasingly expressing their interest in being involved in processes to address these issues. It is the planner's responsibility to respond with a method that is capable of involving the public in complex planning issues such water use planning. The identification and application of a suitable methodology can commence with the articulation of indicators of success. By being conscious of desired goals, the process necessary for their attainment is more readily identified. A study of existing literature indicates empowerment, fairness, trust and efficiency are regular indicators of success. Communicative facilitation, the product of unifying the fundamentals of communicative planning and effective facilitation, is a means of working toward the realization of these success indicators. These process components are both complemented and promoted through a collaborative effort. Both the process methodology and its application influence the likelihood of achieving the identified process success indicators. Analysis of a case study, in this instance the Coquitlam Buntzen Water Use Planning process, allows extrication of recommendations and caveats that are applicable not only to collaborative water use planning but also to complex planning processes in general. • A process should focus on reaching the best agreement possible. Allowing a range of levels of agreement while documenting points of disagreement is recommended. • A process's potential to contribute to the development of a positive precedent should be recognized. Every effort should be invested to maximize opportunities to improve levels of trust and perceptions of fairness since current processes affect future efforts. • Process facilitators should be adept in the role of facilitator, analyst, mediator and negotiator while practicing the principles of communicative planning. • It is difficult for a process to manage its schedule and budget to the satisfaction of all participants; however, the evaluation of efficiency is critical to assessment of overall process success. • To avoid confusion and frustration, it should be clearly established prior to process commencement whether a process involves the public generally, stakeholders or representatives. • Scope should be as broadly defined as possible. Although the level of complexity can be expected to increase, the benefits of an integrated approach as well as the frustrations associated with scope limitation support its expansion. Once boundaries are set, they should be explicitly articulated. As the world becomes in increasingly complex place, the planner is faced with the task of facilitating efforts for interests to work together to make good decisions through quality processes.

Water use planning today necessitates an integrated approach that includes sustainability considerations. We rely upon our water resources to satisfy a lengthy list of needs yet we often mistreat this irreplaceable, vital resource. Members of society are acknowledging the situation and are increasingly expressing their interest in being involved in processes to address these issues. It is the planner's responsibility to respond with a method that is capable of involving the public in complex planning issues such water use planning. The identification and application of a suitable methodology can commence with the articulation of indicators of success. By being conscious of desired goals, the process necessary for their attainment is more readily identified. A study of existing literature indicates empowerment, fairness, trust and efficiency are regular indicators of success. Communicative facilitation, the product of unifying the fundamentals of communicative planning and effective facilitation, is a means of working toward the realization of these success indicators. These process components are both complemented and promoted through a collaborative effort. Both the process methodology and its application influence the likelihood of achieving the identified process success indicators. Analysis of a case study, in this instance the Coquitlam Buntzen Water Use Planning process, allows extrication of recommendations and caveats that are applicable not only to collaborative water use planning but also to complex planning processes in general. • A process should focus on reaching the best agreement possible. Allowing a range of levels of agreement while documenting points of disagreement is recommended. • A process's potential to contribute to the development of a positive precedent should be recognized. Every effort should be invested to maximize opportunities to improve levels of trust and perceptions of fairness since current processes affect future efforts. • Process facilitators should be adept in the role of facilitator, analyst, mediator and negotiator while practicing the principles of communicative planning. • It is difficult for a process to manage its schedule and budget to the satisfaction of all participants; however, the evaluation of efficiency is critical to assessment of overall process success. • To avoid confusion and frustration, it should be clearly established prior to process commencement whether a process involves the public generally, stakeholders or representatives. • Scope should be as broadly defined as possible. Although the level of complexity can be expected to increase, the benefits of an integrated approach as well as the frustrations associated with scope limitation support its expansion. Once boundaries are set, they should be explicitly articulated. As the world becomes in increasingly complex place, the planner is faced with the task of facilitating efforts for interests to work together to make good decisions through quality processes. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

Stormwater runoff from log yards in different BC regions can affect aquatic habitats to varying degrees given differences in weather, water quality and tree species. The objective of this thesis was to compare runoff quality and total runoff loadings from a coastal and interior log yard. Chemical analyses, toxicity tests and treatments were conducted. Data were compared to criteria, statistically compared between sites and assessed for seasonal trends. Export coefficients (ECs) were compared between sites. Relationships between toxicological and chemical variables were explored statistically. Runoff toxicity was similar between sites and fairly low. LC50s for 48-hour Ceriodaphnia dubia tests ranged from 32.95 to > 100 and 58.70 to > 100 for coastal and interior runoff, respectively. Microtox ®.5 minute EC50s ranged from 27.12 to > 100 for coastal runoff and 22.22 to > 100 for interior runoff. Several metals and dehydroabietic acid (DHA) exceeded criteria in runoff from both sites. Biochemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, pH and metals were significantly higher (p < 0.05) at the interior site. Sodium and conductivity were higher at the coastal site. No seasonal differences in runoff quality were observed. Therefore, acute effects would occur during periods of high runoff, during autumn at the coastal site and late winter at the interior site. The unpaved interior site generated less runoff per square meter due to ground infiltration. ECs were comparable to the paved coastal site. Exceptions to this include tannins and lignin (11 fold higher at the coastal site) and DHA (9 fold higher at the interior site). C. dubia toxicity was partially associated with TSS for both sites. Tannins and lignins were correlated (r² =0.91) with C. dubia toxicity for coastal runoff. Tannin and lignin concentrations ranged from 45 to 263 mg/L and 43 to 75 mg/L in coastal and interior samples, respectively. Since results suggest that TSS is partially responsible for toxicity, and since contaminants are often bound to TSS, source control and treatment options for TSS should be implemented.

Stormwater runoff from log yards in different BC regions can affect aquatic habitats to varying degrees given differences in weather, water quality and tree species. The objective of this thesis was to compare runoff quality and total runoff loadings from a coastal and interior log yard. Chemical analyses, toxicity tests and treatments were conducted. Data were compared to criteria, statistically compared between sites and assessed for seasonal trends. Export coefficients (ECs) were compared between sites. Relationships between toxicological and chemical variables were explored statistically. Runoff toxicity was similar between sites and fairly low. LC50s for 48-hour Ceriodaphnia dubia tests ranged from 32.95 to > 100 and 58.70 to > 100 for coastal and interior runoff, respectively. Microtox ®.5 minute EC50s ranged from 27.12 to > 100 for coastal runoff and 22.22 to > 100 for interior runoff. Several metals and dehydroabietic acid (DHA) exceeded criteria in runoff from both sites. Biochemical oxygen demand, alkalinity, pH and metals were significantly higher (p < 0.05) at the interior site. Sodium and conductivity were higher at the coastal site. No seasonal differences in runoff quality were observed. Therefore, acute effects would occur during periods of high runoff, during autumn at the coastal site and late winter at the interior site. The unpaved interior site generated less runoff per square meter due to ground infiltration. ECs were comparable to the paved coastal site. Exceptions to this include tannins and lignin (11 fold higher at the coastal site) and DHA (9 fold higher at the interior site). C. dubia toxicity was partially associated with TSS for both sites. Tannins and lignins were correlated (r² =0.91) with C. dubia toxicity for coastal runoff. Tannin and lignin concentrations ranged from 45 to 263 mg/L and 43 to 75 mg/L in coastal and interior samples, respectively. Since results suggest that TSS is partially responsible for toxicity, and since contaminants are often bound to TSS, source control and treatment options for TSS should be implemented. / Science, Faculty of / Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), Institute for / Graduate

The Queen's Ditch is located three kilometers north of Comox on Vancouver Island and is roughly 1300 hectares in size. In 1998, the watershed experienced a 1 in 200-year rain event that flooded much of the lower watershed. The Regional District of Comox-Strathcona is responsible for land-use planning in the watershed and initiated an investigation into the stormwater runoff problem. This thesis is divided into two components: a planning phase to identify problems with watershed hydrology; and a design phase to illustrate urban design that manages stormwater runoff. Watershed assessments were conducted at the watershed and sub-watershed scale. Watershed assessments were descriptive and helped predict future trends in land-use change. These assessments were not able to identify site specific problems. Sub-watershed assessment was useful at quantifying and identifying stormwater problems. Planners should use sub-watershed hydrological performance to guide land-use planning decisions and assess hydrological and ecological effects of development. The planning phase provides planners with a process to prioritize candidate areas for development, conservation, and rehabilitation. The design phase compares urban design and stormwater performance standards of a proposed conventional design with a sustainable design. The goal of the sustainable design was to mimic the site's natural hydrology to help reduce off-site runoff, and to ensure adequate groundwater recharge. Objectives of the sustainable design were to preserve natural vegetation; maintain x>£ time of concentration; reduce and disconnect impervious surfaces,, and treatment first flush flows. Comparisons of conventional and sustainable designs indicate that stormwater runoff and pollution can be managed at the site level. The sustainable design provides forty-seven percent more dwelling units and exports no stormwater. The sustainable design achieves this without an expensive stormdrain infrastructure. Stormwater is managed at the site level using small infiltration depressions and swales. The design works with the natural hydrological processes of the site to generate a hydrologically sustainable design. Simulated stormwater outputs were used to test and size infiltration ponds and to assess flooding risks. The sustainable design effectively manages stormwater production, runoff, and pollution from storm events ranging from polluted first flush flows to large, flood producing rainstorms.

The Queen's Ditch is located three kilometers north of Comox on Vancouver Island and is roughly 1300 hectares in size. In 1998, the watershed experienced a 1 in 200-year rain event that flooded much of the lower watershed. The Regional District of Comox-Strathcona is responsible for land-use planning in the watershed and initiated an investigation into the stormwater runoff problem. This thesis is divided into two components: a planning phase to identify problems with watershed hydrology; and a design phase to illustrate urban design that manages stormwater runoff. Watershed assessments were conducted at the watershed and sub-watershed scale. Watershed assessments were descriptive and helped predict future trends in land-use change. These assessments were not able to identify site specific problems. Sub-watershed assessment was useful at quantifying and identifying stormwater problems. Planners should use sub-watershed hydrological performance to guide land-use planning decisions and assess hydrological and ecological effects of development. The planning phase provides planners with a process to prioritize candidate areas for development, conservation, and rehabilitation. The design phase compares urban design and stormwater performance standards of a proposed conventional design with a sustainable design. The goal of the sustainable design was to mimic the site's natural hydrology to help reduce off-site runoff, and to ensure adequate groundwater recharge. Objectives of the sustainable design were to preserve natural vegetation; maintain x>£ time of concentration; reduce and disconnect impervious surfaces,, and treatment first flush flows. Comparisons of conventional and sustainable designs indicate that stormwater runoff and pollution can be managed at the site level. The sustainable design provides forty-seven percent more dwelling units and exports no stormwater. The sustainable design achieves this without an expensive stormdrain infrastructure. Stormwater is managed at the site level using small infiltration depressions and swales. The design works with the natural hydrological processes of the site to generate a hydrologically sustainable design. Simulated stormwater outputs were used to test and size infiltration ponds and to assess flooding risks. The sustainable design effectively manages stormwater production, runoff, and pollution from storm events ranging from polluted first flush flows to large, flood producing rainstorms. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School of / Graduate