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Modeling water yield response to forest cover changes in northern Minnesota

Informally Refereed

Abstract

A water yield model (TIMWAT) has been developed to predict changes in water yield following changes in forest cover in northern Minnesota. Two versions of the model exist; one predicts changes in water yield as a function of gross precipitation and time after clearcutting. The second version predicts changes in water yield due to changes in above-ground biomass production and can therefore, be linked with timber growth simulation models. Forest cover changes which can be examined include clearcutting aspen and red pine, conversion from aspen to red pine, and conversion from aspen or red pine to agricultural crops such as sugar beets, small grains and alfalfa. TIMWAT is one component of a projected package of models that will be capable of making multiple resource projections associated with land use changes.

Citation

Bernath, S.C.; Verry, E.S.; Brooks, K.N.; Ffolliott, P.F. 1982. Modeling water yield response to forest cover changes in northern Minnesota. In: Proceedings of the Canadian hydrology symposium:''82 hydrological processes of forested areas; 1982 June 14-15; Fredericton, NB. [Place of publication unknown]: National Research Council Canada: 385-399.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/12912