In this compelling new talk, Dr. Younes Alila, a respected expert in forest hydrology from the University of British Columbia, dives deep into the events that led to this massive landslide that dumped the equivalent of around 2.5 million dump truck loads of material into the river. This presentation is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the future of BC’s forests and the science that shapes forestry practices in our province.
Key takeaways from Dr. Alila’s talk:
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Cumulative disturbances, not just heavy rains or a wildfire, played a key role in the landslide.
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The hydrology of convenience—the dominant approach in BC’s forestry practices—is misguided and fails to account for the real impacts of forest disturbance on groundwater and landslide frequency.
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Dr. Alila explains how changes in the groundwater table—caused by forest disturbance—can contribute to disastrous landslides, with the Cariboo region as a prime example.
Dr. Alila challenges long-held assumptions and highlights why we must rethink our approach to forest management in BC. If we are to mitigate further disasters like the Chilcotin landslide, it’s crucial we understand the full scope of how forest disturbances affect our land and water systems.
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