SHN is currently part of a watershed analysis team working in the forestlands managed for timber production in Humboldt County, California. The watershed analysis work completed by the group is aimed at identifying existing conditions and the physical and biological processes at work within the watersheds of interest. The analyses are partially concerned with land management practices that could impact aquatic resources, and specific portions of the watershed that are sensitive to those management practices. A Signatory Review Team composed of scientists from PALCO and the National Marine Fisheries Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Forestry, California Department of Fish and Game, and CGS initiated the watershed analysis process to fulfill obligations of the Company's Habitat Conservation Plan that was signed in 1999.
SHN has completed in-depth assessments in five watershed analysis areas including the Van Duzen River, Upper Eel River, Bear River, Mattole River, and Yager/Lawrence Creek watersheds. SHN is generally responsible for the following focused analyses as part of the watershed analysis process: cumulative watershed effects, mass wasting assessment, and surface erosion assessment. Work by SHN in this process has involved development of analytical methods, air photo interpretation, landslide inventorying, modeling of hydrologic and surface erosion processes, report preparation, and GIS/database management. Data and key findings have been presented in meetings with agencies and other interested parties.
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