Buffer zones inventory

The buffer zone inventory is constructed by identifying the impacts along the rivers. These impacts can be of natural or anthropogenic sources. In our watersheds, they are often caused by vehicle crossroads, broken culverts and erosion along the riverbank. When the group arrives on a particular site, an environmental assessment is conducted. Data acquisition includes the observation of potential impacts on water quality, alteration of the stream, the physical characteristics of the site such as the percentage of tree cover, the percentage of fast vs. stagnant water currents, substrate type, etc. The water is also evaluated using a YSI meter in terms of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, dissolved matter concentration and flow. In addition, all potentially rare species for the region are indicated. This data is then compiled to identify restoration priorities.