GIS Analysis of the Vulnerability
of a High Quality Stream Watershed to Soil Erosion Following the Removal
of Forest.
By Brian Kiely and Christina Driksna
Analysis Problem:
The Upper Peninsula District office
of the MDEQ requires a GIS based model to aid in deciding where to concentrate
erosion related inspections with respect to sites of logging and other extractive
landuses. The goal of this model is to identify those areas within
the watersheds of high quality streams most vulnerable to soil erosion based
on soil type, landcover, and topography.
Harlow Creek is a high quality stream,
in Marquette County, with numerous tributaries. Currently, the Michigan
Department of Natural resources is considering designating the lower reaches
of Harlow Creek a Michigan natural area. The dominant landcover
within this watershed is forest land (specifically, Northern Hardwoods
complex and Aspen and Birch complex), making it suitable for the proposed
analysis. Because of this, we feel analysis of this watershed will
provide an appropriate indication of the threat of soil loss in similar
watersheds in which logging or development may take place.
