Alternate Forest Products: A Dynamic Time and Space Model of Driftwood Along the Lower Mackenzie River

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: hydrology, infrastructure planning, resource management, driftwood, municipal resources

Principal Investigator: Wein, Ross (17)
Licence Number: 13368
Organization: University of Alberta
Licensed Year(s): 2003 2002 2001
Issued: Jul 24, 2002
Project Team: Peter Boxa

Objective(s): The general objective of our work is to examine the driftwood flow past northern communities in terms of alternative timber supply for possible commercial use in the Gwich'in Settlement Area. This objective includes a continuation on estimation of the decomposition rates and sinking rates of driftwood in time and space, estimation of the inventory of driftwood along the Mackenzie River, and estimation of the movement of driftwood in relation to river hydrology. A theoretical model of driftwood sinking rates has been developed and will be tested under laboratory and field conditions. the final goal of the project is to develop a dynamic time and space model of driftwood on the Mackenzie River. The model can be used to investigate future changes in the above parameters. The space and time model will include the variables of the log characteristics such as number, size, state of decomposition, etc. for each segment of the river. Once the model is constructed, replacement value economic analysis can be explored. This will include surveying petroleum industry managers and community managers to determine how much wood and what type of wood products are likely to be required in the next three to five years. An analysis will be made for the production of these products locally or the import of the products from the south.