Appendix 9: Method for Assessing Cumulative Habitat Pressure

Cumulative Pressures aggregates the seven indicator threat categories (forest harvest, fires, insect damage, agriculture, urban & industrial development, roads, mines) into a single composite threat score using a ‘roll-up’ rule set based on the number of the indicators that were rated high (red), moderate (amber), or low (green):

• If all seven core pressure indicators are rated low, then the cumulative pressures score for a watershed is low.

• If one or more indicators is rated high or if three or more indicators are rated moderate, then the cumulative pressures score for a watershed is high.

• For all other scenarios, the cumulative pressures score for a watershed is moderate.

Each indicator is weighted equally with respect to impacts on salmon habitats.