Watersheds
A watershed is a basin, or a land area that collects and delivers water to a central point. Water moves through a watershed through soils, streams and rivers from upper elevations to lower elevations, and exists at an outflow such as a stream, river, lake, or the ocean. Watersheds are complex and unique containing different topographies, soils, vegetation and land-uses. Watersheds are affected by climate changes that are altering the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of water. The cumulative impacts of past land-uses, water withdrawals, and disturbances in a watershed are all exacerbated by climate changes. Changes vary by scale and location in a watershed, but affect the management of downstream uses, and may present challenges to those seeking to manage watersheds for water quality or supply; protection of cultural resources; biodiversity; productive timber; recreation; or the provision of habitat for wildlife and rare species.
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Salmon and Climate Change in Southeast Alaska
Salmon are crucial to the culture, food security, and economy of Southeast Alaska. Climate change could disrupt salmon…
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Northwest Riparian Areas and Wetlands in a Changing Climate
Increasing resilience of these habitats to climate change is key to ensuring they continue to provide ecosystem…
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Climate Change Vulnerabilities Inform Watershed Restoration in Washington
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is enhancing watershed resilience in a changing climate.
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Adaptation Menus of Strategies and Approaches
Adaptation menus provide a curated list of adaptation strategies, approaches, and tactics to integrate the effects of…
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Recursos de Adaptación en Español
Recursos de adaptación en Español incluidos libros de trabajo de planificación y estrategias y enfoques de adaptación.
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Atmospheric Rivers in the Northwest
Atmospheric rivers are an important source of water, but they may cause more damage with climate change.
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Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) — Its Importance in the Northwest
Snow is a critical source of water in the Northwest, and climate change will affect its availability.
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Building Water Resilience in the Northwest Through Rangeland Management
Information about how to avoid and cope with current and expected changes to water resources and rangeland health.
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Keeping California Forests and Woodlands Healthy
The Healthy Forests briefs series, authored by the Science Advisory Panel of the California Governor’s Forest…