Comparison of Methods to Evaluate Surface Erosion from Logging Roads Using Watershed Analyses

The Pacific Lumber Company (Scotia, California), under the measures in its Habitat Conservation Plan, is required to evaluate the magnitude of surface erosion occurring on their logging roads, and the subsequent effects on aquatic habitat. The evaluation is conducted as a component of watershed analysis, the surface erosion module. A detailed road inventory was conducted in one watershed, with results compared to three erosion prediction methods: the Washington Forest Practices Board method, SEDMODL, and WEPP. The models will be evaluated to determine which can more accurately assess/predict sediment production and delivery from logging roads. The use of these models allows us to evaluate other watersheds that do not have extensive field inventories, more cost-effectively.