Impact of Blanket Peat Forest Harvestingon Stream Flow Regime – A Case Study in the Burrishole Catchment, Co. Mayo

Authors:
Liwen Xiao, Mark Robinson, Michael Rodgers, Mark O’Connor, Connie O’Driscoll, Zaki-ul-zaman Asam

Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress

Venue:
Stockholm

Keywords:
blanket-peat-harvesting

Documentfile:
Xiao et al 2012: Blanket Peat Forest Harvestingon Stream Flow Regime – A Case Study in the Burrishole Catchment, Co. Mayo

Summary:

Theme VII. Ecology and management on forested peatlands

SUMMARY

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of upland blanket peat forest harvesting on flow regimes in the Burrishoole Catchment. In this study, two before-after-control-impact (MBACI) experiments were carried out in three streams. Stream flows before and after clearfelling was continuously monitored. The results indicated that forest harvesting increased water yields and base flows but had very limited impact on flood risk downstream.