title: A framework for assessing cumulative effects in watersheds: an introduction to Canadian case studies.
abstract: From 2008 to 2013, a series of studies supported by the Canadian Water Network were conducted in Canadian watersheds in an effort to improve methods to assess cumulative effects. These studies fit under a common framework for watershed cumulative effects assessment (CEA). This article presents an introduction to the Special Series on Watershed CEA in IEAM including the framework and its impetus, a brief introduction to each of the articles in the series, challenges, and a path forward. The framework includes a regional water monitoring program that produces 3 core outputs: an accumulated state assessment, stressor-response relationships, and development of predictive cumulative effects scenario models. The framework considers core values, indicators, thresholds, and use of consistent terminology. It emphasizes that CEA requires 2 components, accumulated state quantification and predictive scenario forecasting. It recognizes both of these components must be supported by a regional, multiscale monitoring program.
authors.affiliation: Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, Alberta, Canada. dub.mon@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Monique G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Dubé
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Duinker
authors.forename: Lorne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Greig
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carver
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Servos
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McMaster
authors.forename: Bram
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Noble
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schreier
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Kelly R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Munkittrick
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004777:Environment; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000032:analysis*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants
keywords: Canada; Cumulative effects assessment; Environmental impact assessment; Watershed