WaterShade Year 3 – Focus on Priority Assets

The WaterShade project will improve thermal refuges conservation with a progressive approach. Based on work completed in previous phases, this phase is focussed on the implementation of targeted actions to protect and improve essential habitats. Initially, a refuge management policy and decision-making tools were used to select and characterize thermal refuges. Later, geospatial tools were used to identify and prioritize 30 key sub-watersheds presenting thermal abnormalities. This involved detailed mapping and thermal imagery, including drone surveys, complemented by temperature strategic instream surveillance with thermographs. Characterization of the sites and thermal data collection will be continued, followed by individualized protection and enhancement plans for priority sub-watersheds. Those plans will guide the implementation of specific conservation initiatives such as increased protection of intermittent watercourses, wetlands and riparian areas; adaptive logging practices; targeted protection in expanded protected zones; reforestation; and installation of cold-water improvement structures.