“R1-R4” AND “BOISED” SEDIMENT PREDICTION MODEL TESTS USING FOREST ROADS IN GRANITICS1

ABSTRACT: Erosion and sedimentation data from research watersheds in the Silver Creek Study Area in central Idaho were used to test the prediction of logging road erosion using the R1-R4 sediment yield model, and sediment delivery using the “BOISED” sediment yield prediction model. Three small watersheds were instrumented and monitored such that erosion from newly constructed roads and sediment delivery to the mouths of the watersheds could be measured for four years following road construction. The errors for annual surface erosion predictions for the two standard road tests ranged from +31.2 t/ha/yr (+15 percent) to -30.3 t/ha/yr (-63 percent) with an average of zero t/ha/yr and a standard deviation of the differences of 18.7 t/ha/yr. The annual prediction errors for the three watershed scale tests had a greater range from -40.8 t/ha/yr (-70 percent) to +65.3 t/ha/yr (+38 percent) with a mean of -1.9 t/ha/yr and a standard deviation of the differences of 25.2 t/ha/yr. Sediment yields predicted by BOISED (watershed scale tests) were consistently greater (average of 2.5 times) than measured sediment yields. Hillslope sediment delivery coefficients in BOISED appear to be overly conservative to account for average site conditions and road locations, and thus over-predict sediment delivery. Mass erosion predictions from BOISED appear to predict volume well (465 tonnes actual versus 710 tonnes predicted, or a 35 percent difference) over 15 to 20 years, however mass wasting is more episodic than the model predicts.     

THE CRITICAL ROLE OF “UNUSED” RESOURCES1

ABSTRACT: The uneven temporal and spatial distribution of water on the Earth suggests an important role for the portion of the resource that is not directly used by humans. By extension, an important underlying theory about world-wide resource distribution and function is inferred. Policies that control resource preservation and development need to take this theory into account. Some examples for the water resource are presented.     

Myths and realities of the “new” green economy

This article details new research showing that the majority of U.S. consumers have strong inclinations to buy earth-sustainable food products. Contrary to prevailing beliefs in the industry, the market potential for these products is enormous—52 percent of consumers are willing to buy “green,” and nearly one-third (30 percent) can actually be considered as the core market for earth-sustainable food products. Yet these products currently represent only 2 percent of all food sales. This immense gap can be eliminated by turning our focus from supply (an endless stream of new product introductions) to demand (the needs of the consumer). Doing so requires a clear understanding of the consumer and the dispelling of several myths that pervade the marketplace today. Information in this article was taken from Phase 1 of The Hartman Report—Food and the Environment: A Consumer's Perspective, which examines the consumer segments in much more detail with regard to attitudinal, demographic, and psychographic profiles. The report was commissioned, in part, by The Kellogg Foundation, The Food Alliance, and Cascadian Farm. Phase II of the research more closely examines those segments that represent the key target markets for these products, including information on the effects of advertising, public relations, and labels in communicating environmentally sustainable product messages. Phase III will develop specific retail tactics that can be effective in delivering products and services to the most important segments. For information on obtaining a copy of the report, contact The Hartman Group at 206–451–9094.