UBC research blames bigger floods on clear cutting, calls for more selective logging

 By Ashley Joannou THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER-Reducing clear-cut logging and paying more attention to where trees are removed will help reduce the flood risk in British Columbia, a researcher says. A paper published by a team, including University of British Columbia Prof. Younes Alila, found that when 21 per cent of trees were harvested using clear-cut logging, the average flood size increased by 38 per cent in the Deadman River watershed and 84 per cent in Joe Ross Creek area, both snowy regions located north of Kamloops. Alila said in an interview that while larger, intact watersheds are more effective in protecting against flooding, including by helping shade snow and slow its melt, where trees are removed also plays a critical role in how clear-cutting has increased floods. He said…

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