Developed watershed classification index determining management priority level based on watershed carrying capacity

Abstract

Watershed classification index is important in terms of determining watershed management priority level based on its carrying capacity score whereby currently watershed is classified into two indexes which are “to be maintained” if the carrying capacity score is below 100 and “to be restored” if it is above 100. This index fails to capture existing condition where there are watersheds with carrying capacity score in between 90 and 110. The purpose of this paper is to propose developed watershed classification index to determine management priority level based on watershed carrying capacity score. The method used to develop the watershed classification index is Classification Interval approach. The analysis is resulting in rigorous management priority level based on developed watershed classification index which is 50 < carrying capacity ≤ 90 as Priority 3 (watershed indexed as “to be maintained”), 90 < carrying capacity ≤ 110 as Priority 2 (watershed indexed as “to be improved”) and 110 < carrying capacity ≤ 150 as Priority 1 (watershed indexed as “to be restored”). Therefore, the correct management priority level for Gangsa Watershed that has carrying capacity of 106 is Priority 2.