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• 1. [Article] Oak Habitat Metric: User's Guide

  The metric is encompassed in two documents, this Oak Habitat Metric User’s Guide and an Oak Habitat Calculator.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oak Habitat Metric: User's Guide Author: Defenders of Wildlife The metric is encompassed in two documents, this Oak Habitat Metric User’s Guide and an Oak Habitat Calculator. Title: Oak Habitat Metric: User's Guide Author: Defenders of Wildlife The metric is encompassed in two documents, this Oak Habitat Metric User’s Guide and an Oak Habitat Calculator. Close

• 2. [Article] Oak habitat user guide.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oak habitat user guide.pdf Author: Defenders of Wildlife Title: Oak habitat user guide.pdf Author: Defenders of Wildlife Close

• 3. [Article] Oak_Habitat_Metric_Calculator.Version_1.0.protected-1.xlsx

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oak_Habitat_Metric_Calculator.Version_1.0.protected-1.xlsx Author: Defenders of Wildlife Title: Oak_Habitat_Metric_Calculator.Version_1.0.protected-1.xlsx Author: Defenders of Wildlife Close

• 4. [Article] Food web studies in an oak woodland eco-system

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Food web studies in an oak woodland eco-system Author: Hamilton, Grace Anne Title: Food web studies in an oak woodland eco-system Author: Hamilton, Grace Anne Close

• 5. [Article] Mental and biophysical terrains of biodiversity : conservation of oak woodland on family forest

  This research analyzes how family forest owners conceptualize biodiversity in one high-conservation value area of oak woodland in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. Oregon white oak (Quercus garyanna) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mental and biophysical terrains of biodiversity : conservation of oak woodland on family forest Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige This research analyzes how family forest owners conceptualize biodiversity in one high-conservation value area of oak woodland in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. Oregon white oak (Quercus garyanna) woodland, one of the most biologically diverse ecotypes in the state of Oregon, is in decline. Much of the oak ecotype occurs on the lands of family forest owners. Understanding owners' conceptions of biodiversity is important for the conservation of this important resource. Theories from sociology, social psychology, and policy analysis argue that information about people's knowledge and beliefs is important for understanding and influencing their behavior. This research explores the mental and biophysical terrains of owners' relationships with biodiversity. Through interdisciplinary methods - including concept mapping, in-depth interviews, property mapping and field reconnaissance - it explores the meanings that people give to biodiversity on their family properties. Findings indicate that 1) owners are knowledgeable about the key elements of biodiversity, and 2) their use of this knowledge in management reflects their beliefs about human relationships with nature and external market constraints. Title: Mental and biophysical terrains of biodiversity : conservation of oak woodland on family forest Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige This research analyzes how family forest owners conceptualize biodiversity in one high-conservation value area of oak woodland in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. Oregon white oak (Quercus garyanna) woodland, one of the most biologically diverse ecotypes in the state of Oregon, is in decline. Much of the oak ecotype occurs on the lands of family forest owners. Understanding owners' conceptions of biodiversity is important for the conservation of this important resource. Theories from sociology, social psychology, and policy analysis argue that information about people's knowledge and beliefs is important for understanding and influencing their behavior. This research explores the mental and biophysical terrains of owners' relationships with biodiversity. Through interdisciplinary methods - including concept mapping, in-depth interviews, property mapping and field reconnaissance - it explores the meanings that people give to biodiversity on their family properties. Findings indicate that 1) owners are knowledgeable about the key elements of biodiversity, and 2) their use of this knowledge in management reflects their beliefs about human relationships with nature and external market constraints. Close

• 6. [Article] Oregon Conservation Strategy Habitats

  Abstract -- This dataset represents the extent and distribution of the habitats prioritized within the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Strategy Habitats are identified by ecoregion, and as such are only ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Conservation Strategy Habitats Abstract -- This dataset represents the extent and distribution of the habitats prioritized within the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Strategy Habitats are identified by ecoregion, and as such are only mapped within their associated Strategy Ecoregions (see http://oregonconservationstrategy.org/strategy-habitats/ for more information on all Strategy Habitats). The list of Strategy Habitats is: Aspen Woodlands, Coastal Dunes, Estuaries, Flowing Water and Riparian Habitats, Grasslands, Late Successional Mixed Conifer Forest, Natural Lakes, Oak Woodlands, Ponderosa Pine Woodlands, Sagebrush Habitats, and Wetlands. Title: Oregon Conservation Strategy Habitats Abstract -- This dataset represents the extent and distribution of the habitats prioritized within the Oregon Conservation Strategy. Strategy Habitats are identified by ecoregion, and as such are only mapped within their associated Strategy Ecoregions (see http://oregonconservationstrategy.org/strategy-habitats/ for more information on all Strategy Habitats). The list of Strategy Habitats is: Aspen Woodlands, Coastal Dunes, Estuaries, Flowing Water and Riparian Habitats, Grasslands, Late Successional Mixed Conifer Forest, Natural Lakes, Oak Woodlands, Ponderosa Pine Woodlands, Sagebrush Habitats, and Wetlands. Close

• 7. [Article] White-breasted nuthatch density and nesting ecology in oak woodlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregon

  Habitat loss causes a reduction in available resources for wildlife, alters the configuration of remaining habitat, and may isolate wildlife populations. White-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: White-breasted nuthatch density and nesting ecology in oak woodlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Viste-Sparkman, Karen Habitat loss causes a reduction in available resources for wildlife, alters the configuration of remaining habitat, and may isolate wildlife populations. White-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) are experiencing long-term population declines in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where they are historically associated with oak woodlands. As secondary cavity-nesters, white-breasted nuthatches may be limited by the availability of existing cavities for nesting and roosting. Oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley has changed since European-American settlement times from vast areas of open oak savanna to isolated closed-canopy stands separated by agricultural fields. We examined nuthatch density, nest cavity selection, and nest success in relation to oak woodland structure and landscape context. We conducted point transect surveys in 3 strata: woodland interiors, large woodland edges, and small woodlands. We located and monitored nuthatch nests and sampled vegetation at nest locations and matching random locations around each nest. Woodland structure and edge density were measured at a 178-m radius (home range) scale, and landscape context was measured using vegetation cover within a 1-km radius around point transects and nests. We used program DISTANCE to fit detection functions and calculate nuthatch densities. We used conditional logistic regression to compare nest locations with random locations, and analyzed nest success with Mayfield logistic regression. White-breasted nuthatch density was significantly higher in small woodlands than in edges of large woodlands, which had higher nuthatch density than woodland interiors. Density of nuthatches increased with a combination of oak cover within a 1-km radius of the point, edge density within a 178-m radius, and number of oak trees >50 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) within a 100-m radius. Nest cavities were situated in oak trees containing more cavities than random oak trees that had cavities, and oak trees used as nest trees had a larger dbh than oak trees within random plots. Local woodland structure at nest locations was characterized by larger trees, measured by greater mean dbh, canopy cover, and basal area of oaks than random locations within the home range. Nest success in natural cavities was 71% and was not predicted by attributes of nest cavities, nest trees, local woodland structure at nests, woodland structure at the home range scale, or landscape context. These results suggest that the most suitable habitat for white-breasted nuthatches in the Willamette Valley includes oak woodlands in close proximity to one another with a high proportion of edge and mature oak trees. Managers should preserve trees containing cavities and large oak trees whenever possible. Thinning of small oaks and removal of conifers in oak woodlands to create more open, savanna-like conditions may also promote the development of larger oaks with more spreading branches, providing more opportunities for cavities to form and more foraging surface area for nuthatches. Title: White-breasted nuthatch density and nesting ecology in oak woodlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Viste-Sparkman, Karen Habitat loss causes a reduction in available resources for wildlife, alters the configuration of remaining habitat, and may isolate wildlife populations. White-breasted nuthatches (Sitta carolinensis) are experiencing long-term population declines in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, where they are historically associated with oak woodlands. As secondary cavity-nesters, white-breasted nuthatches may be limited by the availability of existing cavities for nesting and roosting. Oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley has changed since European-American settlement times from vast areas of open oak savanna to isolated closed-canopy stands separated by agricultural fields. We examined nuthatch density, nest cavity selection, and nest success in relation to oak woodland structure and landscape context. We conducted point transect surveys in 3 strata: woodland interiors, large woodland edges, and small woodlands. We located and monitored nuthatch nests and sampled vegetation at nest locations and matching random locations around each nest. Woodland structure and edge density were measured at a 178-m radius (home range) scale, and landscape context was measured using vegetation cover within a 1-km radius around point transects and nests. We used program DISTANCE to fit detection functions and calculate nuthatch densities. We used conditional logistic regression to compare nest locations with random locations, and analyzed nest success with Mayfield logistic regression. White-breasted nuthatch density was significantly higher in small woodlands than in edges of large woodlands, which had higher nuthatch density than woodland interiors. Density of nuthatches increased with a combination of oak cover within a 1-km radius of the point, edge density within a 178-m radius, and number of oak trees >50 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) within a 100-m radius. Nest cavities were situated in oak trees containing more cavities than random oak trees that had cavities, and oak trees used as nest trees had a larger dbh than oak trees within random plots. Local woodland structure at nest locations was characterized by larger trees, measured by greater mean dbh, canopy cover, and basal area of oaks than random locations within the home range. Nest success in natural cavities was 71% and was not predicted by attributes of nest cavities, nest trees, local woodland structure at nests, woodland structure at the home range scale, or landscape context. These results suggest that the most suitable habitat for white-breasted nuthatches in the Willamette Valley includes oak woodlands in close proximity to one another with a high proportion of edge and mature oak trees. Managers should preserve trees containing cavities and large oak trees whenever possible. Thinning of small oaks and removal of conifers in oak woodlands to create more open, savanna-like conditions may also promote the development of larger oaks with more spreading branches, providing more opportunities for cavities to form and more foraging surface area for nuthatches. Close

• 8. [Article] Butterfly and flower community composition among prairie-oak ecosystem habitats in the Willamette Valley, Oregon

  Prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley, Oregon have experienced habitat loss and degradation; most of these ecosystems are fragmented into smaller patches. Prairie-oak butterfly species, in the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Butterfly and flower community composition among prairie-oak ecosystem habitats in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Powers, Breanna F. Prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley, Oregon have experienced habitat loss and degradation; most of these ecosystems are fragmented into smaller patches. Prairie-oak butterfly species, in the Willamette Valley, have decreased dramatically due to loss or degradation of habitat. More research is needed on sustaining the populations of butterflies in prairie-oak ecosystems. The purpose of my study was to examine the role prairie-oak habitats have in structuring butterfly communities in the Willamette Valley. My objectives were to: (1) assess how butterfly community structure and species composition (density, abundance, and species richness) varies along an oak canopy cover gradient in order to understand the role of habitat type in structuring butterfly communities in prairie-oak ecosystems; (2) characterize community composition of nectar resources and environmental variables known to be important for butterfly species. I also investigated temporal and structural relationships between butterfly and flower communities. I found that butterfly abundance and density were greater (p < 0.02) in prairies than in oak savannas or oak woodlands; however, species richness did not differ among habitats (p = 0.54). Ordination of prairie-oak habitats in butterfly species space with a joint plot overlay of environmental variables revealed several strong correlations; butterfly community structure was negatively correlated with litter and oak canopy cover and positively correlated to vegetation cover. The prairie, oak savanna, and oak woodland habitat types differed in nectar species community structure, though this difference was small. Non-native species were some of the most abundant flowers species found in all stands. Butterfly communities were positively related to flower communities. I detected significant seasonal patterns among the habitat types in butterfly and flower communities. Prairies appear to be the most important habitat for native butterfly populations compared to oak savanna and oak woodlands. Flowers were most prevalent in prairies and prairies had the highest percentage of native flower species; the prevalence of non-native flower species was greatest in oak woodlands. My study may represent a short-term community transition as a result of management or it may represent a more permanent community. Further study is needed to understand the effects of different management strategies for habitat restoration and the presence of non-native flower species on butterflies in prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley. Title: Butterfly and flower community composition among prairie-oak ecosystem habitats in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Powers, Breanna F. Prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley, Oregon have experienced habitat loss and degradation; most of these ecosystems are fragmented into smaller patches. Prairie-oak butterfly species, in the Willamette Valley, have decreased dramatically due to loss or degradation of habitat. More research is needed on sustaining the populations of butterflies in prairie-oak ecosystems. The purpose of my study was to examine the role prairie-oak habitats have in structuring butterfly communities in the Willamette Valley. My objectives were to: (1) assess how butterfly community structure and species composition (density, abundance, and species richness) varies along an oak canopy cover gradient in order to understand the role of habitat type in structuring butterfly communities in prairie-oak ecosystems; (2) characterize community composition of nectar resources and environmental variables known to be important for butterfly species. I also investigated temporal and structural relationships between butterfly and flower communities. I found that butterfly abundance and density were greater (p < 0.02) in prairies than in oak savannas or oak woodlands; however, species richness did not differ among habitats (p = 0.54). Ordination of prairie-oak habitats in butterfly species space with a joint plot overlay of environmental variables revealed several strong correlations; butterfly community structure was negatively correlated with litter and oak canopy cover and positively correlated to vegetation cover. The prairie, oak savanna, and oak woodland habitat types differed in nectar species community structure, though this difference was small. Non-native species were some of the most abundant flowers species found in all stands. Butterfly communities were positively related to flower communities. I detected significant seasonal patterns among the habitat types in butterfly and flower communities. Prairies appear to be the most important habitat for native butterfly populations compared to oak savanna and oak woodlands. Flowers were most prevalent in prairies and prairies had the highest percentage of native flower species; the prevalence of non-native flower species was greatest in oak woodlands. My study may represent a short-term community transition as a result of management or it may represent a more permanent community. Further study is needed to understand the effects of different management strategies for habitat restoration and the presence of non-native flower species on butterflies in prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley. Close

• 9. [Article] Use of oak woodlands (Quercus garryana) for farm forestry and grazing in the Willamette Valley

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Use of oak woodlands (Quercus garryana) for farm forestry and grazing in the Willamette Valley Author: Hall, Frederick C. Title: Use of oak woodlands (Quercus garryana) for farm forestry and grazing in the Willamette Valley Author: Hall, Frederick C. Close

• 10. [Article] Restoring rare native habitats in the Willamette valley

  A landowner's guide for restoring oak woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and bottomland hardwood and riparian forests. HUC: 170900. Bounding coordinates: West Bounding Coordinate: -123.769586; East Bounding ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Restoring rare native habitats in the Willamette valley Author: Campbell, Bruce H. A landowner's guide for restoring oak woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and bottomland hardwood and riparian forests. HUC: 170900. Bounding coordinates: West Bounding Coordinate: -123.769586; East Bounding Coordinate: -121.631074; North Bounding Coordinate: 45.941295; South Bounding Coordinate: 43.350360. Title: Restoring rare native habitats in the Willamette valley Author: Campbell, Bruce H. A landowner's guide for restoring oak woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and bottomland hardwood and riparian forests. HUC: 170900. Bounding coordinates: West Bounding Coordinate: -123.769586; East Bounding Coordinate: -121.631074; North Bounding Coordinate: 45.941295; South Bounding Coordinate: 43.350360. Close

• 11. [Article] Stand structures of Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands and their relationships to the environment in southwestern Oregon

  Large areas of non-coniferous communities in southwestern Oregon are thinned to reduce fire hazard and accomplish ecosystem restoration, under the assumption that current fuel loads are unnaturally high. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stand structures of Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands and their relationships to the environment in southwestern Oregon Author: Gilligan, Laurie A. Large areas of non-coniferous communities in southwestern Oregon are thinned to reduce fire hazard and accomplish ecosystem restoration, under the assumption that current fuel loads are unnaturally high. Although Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands are a characteristic landscape component in this region, little is known about their current or historical stand structures. Managers lack information on which to base restoration-focused fuel reduction prescriptions. I inventoried 40 Oregon white oak dominated woodlands across 2 study areas in southwestern Oregon, and describe here their stand characteristics and age structures. I assessed whether these varied systematically with site conditions or recorded fire history. Stands included various proportions of single- and multiple-stemmed trees and a range of tree densities and diameter- and age-class distributions. Variables that may indicate site moisture status were weakly associated with multivariate gradients in stand structure, and fire history also appeared related to several stand structures. Peak establishment of living Oregon white oaks generally occurred during 1850-1890, sometimes occurred in the early 1900’s, and recruitment rates were low post-fire suppression. Recruitment of sapling-sized oak trees (< 10 cm dbh, 1.3 m tall) was generally low and their ages ranged from 5 to 164 yr; they were not necessarily recent recruits. The range of stand and age structures, and the variation in their apparent relations to site factors and history, suggests that site-by-site management prescriptions may more effectively accomplish restoration goals than do current treatments. Prescriptions should include follow-up monitoring with attention to effects on oak recruitment. Title: Stand structures of Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands and their relationships to the environment in southwestern Oregon Author: Gilligan, Laurie A. Large areas of non-coniferous communities in southwestern Oregon are thinned to reduce fire hazard and accomplish ecosystem restoration, under the assumption that current fuel loads are unnaturally high. Although Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands are a characteristic landscape component in this region, little is known about their current or historical stand structures. Managers lack information on which to base restoration-focused fuel reduction prescriptions. I inventoried 40 Oregon white oak dominated woodlands across 2 study areas in southwestern Oregon, and describe here their stand characteristics and age structures. I assessed whether these varied systematically with site conditions or recorded fire history. Stands included various proportions of single- and multiple-stemmed trees and a range of tree densities and diameter- and age-class distributions. Variables that may indicate site moisture status were weakly associated with multivariate gradients in stand structure, and fire history also appeared related to several stand structures. Peak establishment of living Oregon white oaks generally occurred during 1850-1890, sometimes occurred in the early 1900’s, and recruitment rates were low post-fire suppression. Recruitment of sapling-sized oak trees (< 10 cm dbh, 1.3 m tall) was generally low and their ages ranged from 5 to 164 yr; they were not necessarily recent recruits. The range of stand and age structures, and the variation in their apparent relations to site factors and history, suggests that site-by-site management prescriptions may more effectively accomplish restoration goals than do current treatments. Prescriptions should include follow-up monitoring with attention to effects on oak recruitment. Close

• 12. [Article] Relative abundance and habitat associations of small mammals in two forest types in southern Oregon

  I studied small-mammal communities and their response to grazing in mixed-conifer forests and oak woodlands in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southern Oregon. My objectives were to (1) compare ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Relative abundance and habitat associations of small mammals in two forest types in southern Oregon Author: Johnston, Aaron N. I studied small-mammal communities and their response to grazing in mixed-conifer forests and oak woodlands in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southern Oregon. My objectives were to (1) compare small-mammal communities among forest types and grazing intensities, (2) identify riparian affiliated species, and (3) describe microhabitat associations. Over two years, I trapped 1,617 individual small mammals representing 20 species. Mixed-conifer forests had more species and greater abundances of small mammals than oak woodlands, but there were no significant differences between the forest types in species richness or diversity at the stand level, as most sites had 3 to 5 species at any given time. Evenness was higher in oak woodlands compared to mixed-conifer forests because of lower dominance by Peromyscus maniculatus and fewer rare species. P. maniculatus dominated both forest types. Neurotrichus gibbsii, Tamias amoenus, Tamias siskiyou, Neotoma cinerea, Clethrionomys californicus, Microtus californicus, Microtus longicaudus, and Microtus montanus were found only in mixed-conifer forests, whereas Peromyscus boylii were trapped exclusively in oak woodlands. Although the two forest types shared 10 species, Sorex trowbridgii and Peromyscus maniculatus were significantly (P < 0.05) more abundant in mixed-conifer forests, whereas Sorex vagrans, Reithrodontomys megalotis, Peromyscus truei, and Neotoma fuscipes were significantly more abundant in oak woodlands. Microtus townsendii was the only species that was equally abundant in both forest types, but was found exclusively within meadow sites in mixed-conifer forests. I found no significant differences in species richness, diversity, and evenness between heavy and lightly grazed sites. However, mean mammalian biomass was 138 g/ha lower in heavily grazed sites, and abundances were 89.3% of those in lightly grazed sites. Cumulative biomass and abundance across heavily grazed sites were 65% and 80%, respectively, of that in lightly grazed sites. Several relatively large species (e.g. Neotoma spp. and Microtus spp.) were less abundant or absent in heavily grazed sites. My results support previous studies that found lower abundances of small mammals associated with herbaceous cover (e.g. Microtus spp.) in heavily grazed sites and little or no effect for species associated with open habitats (e.g. Tamias spp.). I found significantly (P < 0.05) lower abundances of S. trowbridgii (conifer), Peromyscus spp. (oak), N. cinerea (conifer), N. fuscipes (oak), M. longicaudus (conifer), and M. californicus (conifer) in heavy versus lightly grazed sites. There were also fewer T. siskiyou, R. megalotis, and M. townsendii captured in heavy versus lightly grazed sites, but the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). S. vagrans and T. amoenus were significantly more abundant in heavily grazed sites. Sample sizes for the remaining species were too small for comparison (n < 6). N. gibbsii, C. californicus, and M. californicus were captured exclusively in lightly grazed sites; only T. amoenus was captured exclusively in a heavily grazed site. There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the odds of catching R. megalotis, N. cinerea, N. fuscipes, and M. longicaudus on heavy versus lightly grazed sites after accounting for microhabitat associations and potential confounding factors. Odds of capture were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for P. maniculatus in heavy versus lightly grazed sites in oak woodlands, but there was less difference in abundance between grazing intensities in mixed-conifer forests. There was some evidence to suggest that grazing decreased the odds of capturing M. townsendii in riparian areas. Although I found significantly (P < 0.05) fewer S. trowbridgii in heavily grazed sites, my analysis indicated that microhabitat associations rather than grazing explained the difference. Grazing appeared to increase the use of riparian areas by Tamias spp. by removing herbaceous cover and increasing bare ground. I described microhabitat associations for 10 species and found a suite of species (S. trowbridgii, T. amoenus, T. siskiyou, N. cinerea) that were positively associated with coarse woody debris and/or snags. R. megalotis, M. longicaudus, and M. townsendii were affiliated with, but not obligated, to riparian areas. P. maniculatus were ubiquitous, but abundances were also higher in riparian areas compared with uplands. T. siskiyou and P. truei appeared to be associated with uplands rather than riparian areas. Although I captured few S. vagrans, N. gibbsii, M. californicus, and M. montanus, they were found in either riparian areas or around spring seeps, which support previous studies. My results supported the importance of riparian areas to small mammals as suggested by previous studies. Title: Relative abundance and habitat associations of small mammals in two forest types in southern Oregon Author: Johnston, Aaron N. I studied small-mammal communities and their response to grazing in mixed-conifer forests and oak woodlands in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southern Oregon. My objectives were to (1) compare small-mammal communities among forest types and grazing intensities, (2) identify riparian affiliated species, and (3) describe microhabitat associations. Over two years, I trapped 1,617 individual small mammals representing 20 species. Mixed-conifer forests had more species and greater abundances of small mammals than oak woodlands, but there were no significant differences between the forest types in species richness or diversity at the stand level, as most sites had 3 to 5 species at any given time. Evenness was higher in oak woodlands compared to mixed-conifer forests because of lower dominance by Peromyscus maniculatus and fewer rare species. P. maniculatus dominated both forest types. Neurotrichus gibbsii, Tamias amoenus, Tamias siskiyou, Neotoma cinerea, Clethrionomys californicus, Microtus californicus, Microtus longicaudus, and Microtus montanus were found only in mixed-conifer forests, whereas Peromyscus boylii were trapped exclusively in oak woodlands. Although the two forest types shared 10 species, Sorex trowbridgii and Peromyscus maniculatus were significantly (P < 0.05) more abundant in mixed-conifer forests, whereas Sorex vagrans, Reithrodontomys megalotis, Peromyscus truei, and Neotoma fuscipes were significantly more abundant in oak woodlands. Microtus townsendii was the only species that was equally abundant in both forest types, but was found exclusively within meadow sites in mixed-conifer forests. I found no significant differences in species richness, diversity, and evenness between heavy and lightly grazed sites. However, mean mammalian biomass was 138 g/ha lower in heavily grazed sites, and abundances were 89.3% of those in lightly grazed sites. Cumulative biomass and abundance across heavily grazed sites were 65% and 80%, respectively, of that in lightly grazed sites. Several relatively large species (e.g. Neotoma spp. and Microtus spp.) were less abundant or absent in heavily grazed sites. My results support previous studies that found lower abundances of small mammals associated with herbaceous cover (e.g. Microtus spp.) in heavily grazed sites and little or no effect for species associated with open habitats (e.g. Tamias spp.). I found significantly (P < 0.05) lower abundances of S. trowbridgii (conifer), Peromyscus spp. (oak), N. cinerea (conifer), N. fuscipes (oak), M. longicaudus (conifer), and M. californicus (conifer) in heavy versus lightly grazed sites. There were also fewer T. siskiyou, R. megalotis, and M. townsendii captured in heavy versus lightly grazed sites, but the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). S. vagrans and T. amoenus were significantly more abundant in heavily grazed sites. Sample sizes for the remaining species were too small for comparison (n < 6). N. gibbsii, C. californicus, and M. californicus were captured exclusively in lightly grazed sites; only T. amoenus was captured exclusively in a heavily grazed site. There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the odds of catching R. megalotis, N. cinerea, N. fuscipes, and M. longicaudus on heavy versus lightly grazed sites after accounting for microhabitat associations and potential confounding factors. Odds of capture were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for P. maniculatus in heavy versus lightly grazed sites in oak woodlands, but there was less difference in abundance between grazing intensities in mixed-conifer forests. There was some evidence to suggest that grazing decreased the odds of capturing M. townsendii in riparian areas. Although I found significantly (P < 0.05) fewer S. trowbridgii in heavily grazed sites, my analysis indicated that microhabitat associations rather than grazing explained the difference. Grazing appeared to increase the use of riparian areas by Tamias spp. by removing herbaceous cover and increasing bare ground. I described microhabitat associations for 10 species and found a suite of species (S. trowbridgii, T. amoenus, T. siskiyou, N. cinerea) that were positively associated with coarse woody debris and/or snags. R. megalotis, M. longicaudus, and M. townsendii were affiliated with, but not obligated, to riparian areas. P. maniculatus were ubiquitous, but abundances were also higher in riparian areas compared with uplands. T. siskiyou and P. truei appeared to be associated with uplands rather than riparian areas. Although I captured few S. vagrans, N. gibbsii, M. californicus, and M. montanus, they were found in either riparian areas or around spring seeps, which support previous studies. My results supported the importance of riparian areas to small mammals as suggested by previous studies. Close

• 13. [Article] Some factors controlling the establishment and distribution of Quercus agrifolia Nee and Q. engelmannii Greene in certain southern California oak woodlands

  The structure of two oak woodland types in the Santa Rosa region of the Santa Ana Mountains of southern California has been described by Zuill (1967). One type called the grass oak woodland (GOW) is composed ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Some factors controlling the establishment and distribution of Quercus agrifolia Nee and Q. engelmannii Greene in certain southern California oak woodlands Author: Snow, Gerald Eldon The structure of two oak woodland types in the Santa Rosa region of the Santa Ana Mountains of southern California has been described by Zuill (1967). One type called the grass oak woodland (GOW) is composed mainly of Q. engelmannii on hills and slopes. The other type called the dense oak woodland (DOW) is composed equally of Q. engelmannii and Q. agrifolia with twice the density of the GOW and is located in valleys with granite rock outcrops. An apparent lack of seedlings and saplings was noted in the area. The present study focuses on an explanation for the distribution patterns of the two oak species in the field and the factors which might be most important in influencing seedling establishment. Quercus agrifolia is restricted to cool moist protected locations on the north side and in fractures of rock outcrops because its acorns are sensitive to moisture loss on air drying, require constantly moist conditions for one to five weeks for water uptake to effect germination and have very rapid shoot development after germination. Seedlings may be intolerant of high temperatures in open grass litter, and seedlings and saplings appear less tolerant of fire than Q. engelmannii, which would also tend to restrict Q. agrifolia to protected locations around rock outcrops. The distribution of Q. engelmannii trees with respect to rock outcrops does not differ from a random distribution and the few that are associated with outcrops show a random distribution with respect to position around outcrops. The occurrence of Q. engelmannii in more open exposed habitats may be due to its acorns' tolerance to moisture loss on air drying, their ability to germinate with little or n6 additional water uptake, its self-planting mechanism and delayed shoot development, and the drought deciduous habit of seedlings and their tolerance to fire. In the laboratory the drought capable of killing 50% of the seedlings is about 100 bars soil moisture tension for Q. engelmannii and about 250 bars for Q. agrifolia. The survival of Q. agrifolia under a greater degree of soil drought is mainly attributable to its higher root: shoot ratio under these particular conditions. Seedlings of both species would be expected to survive any drought recorded in the field between 1968 and 1970 at their expected rooting depth. After a very wet rainy season none of the mature trees experienced any moisture stress by the end of the dry season even though the near surface soils were quite dry. After a quite dry year trees in the DOW showed significantly greater moisture stress than those on a hilltop in the GOW. The moisture stress measurements of trees and soil moisture determinations down to 86 cm indicate that all the mature trees are rooted mainly below 86 cm. At least one large tree is apparently rooted down to 6 m. A planting of Q. agrifolia acorns that were buried to simulate squirrel caches survived to establish many more seedlings than surface planted acorns due mainly to protection from predation and drying and to conditions affording good radicle penetration. In an open planting cattle destroyed all the seedlings that were established while most of the seedlings remained in a planting closed to cattle. The complete lack of oak reproduction in open habitats and the restriction of reproduction for both species to rock outcrops since 1910 is attributable to cattle grazing, which has been continuous since about 1910. The last reproduction of Q. engelmannii in the GOW's without outcrops and the peak reproduction of Q. agrifolia in the DOW occurred between 1890 and 1910. This may be explained partly by the fact that for at least 10 years during this time livestock were excluded due to a dry land farming operation in the area. More than half of the living Q. engelmannii were established before any known influence of European men and their livestock (1820) and there has been a general decline in establishment since then. This might be expected since they usually occur in open and exposed habitats which would be most subject to grazing pressure. There was a simultaneous establishment and rapid buildup of the Q. agrifolia population around rock outcrops in the DOW with the entrance of European man and his livestock which may be due to ground squirrels depositing acorns around their burrows which are often associated with rock outcrops. These squirrels are known to come into new areas after disturbance by man. Also about this time filaree, a new preferred food source for squirrels (in addition to acorns), was being established on California range lands which probably resulted in an increase in the squirrel population. An effective squirrel poisoning program was begun in the 1920's and this may also account for the decreased establishment of Q. agrifolia since this time even around rock outcrops. Title: Some factors controlling the establishment and distribution of Quercus agrifolia Nee and Q. engelmannii Greene in certain southern California oak woodlands Author: Snow, Gerald Eldon The structure of two oak woodland types in the Santa Rosa region of the Santa Ana Mountains of southern California has been described by Zuill (1967). One type called the grass oak woodland (GOW) is composed mainly of Q. engelmannii on hills and slopes. The other type called the dense oak woodland (DOW) is composed equally of Q. engelmannii and Q. agrifolia with twice the density of the GOW and is located in valleys with granite rock outcrops. An apparent lack of seedlings and saplings was noted in the area. The present study focuses on an explanation for the distribution patterns of the two oak species in the field and the factors which might be most important in influencing seedling establishment. Quercus agrifolia is restricted to cool moist protected locations on the north side and in fractures of rock outcrops because its acorns are sensitive to moisture loss on air drying, require constantly moist conditions for one to five weeks for water uptake to effect germination and have very rapid shoot development after germination. Seedlings may be intolerant of high temperatures in open grass litter, and seedlings and saplings appear less tolerant of fire than Q. engelmannii, which would also tend to restrict Q. agrifolia to protected locations around rock outcrops. The distribution of Q. engelmannii trees with respect to rock outcrops does not differ from a random distribution and the few that are associated with outcrops show a random distribution with respect to position around outcrops. The occurrence of Q. engelmannii in more open exposed habitats may be due to its acorns' tolerance to moisture loss on air drying, their ability to germinate with little or n6 additional water uptake, its self-planting mechanism and delayed shoot development, and the drought deciduous habit of seedlings and their tolerance to fire. In the laboratory the drought capable of killing 50% of the seedlings is about 100 bars soil moisture tension for Q. engelmannii and about 250 bars for Q. agrifolia. The survival of Q. agrifolia under a greater degree of soil drought is mainly attributable to its higher root: shoot ratio under these particular conditions. Seedlings of both species would be expected to survive any drought recorded in the field between 1968 and 1970 at their expected rooting depth. After a very wet rainy season none of the mature trees experienced any moisture stress by the end of the dry season even though the near surface soils were quite dry. After a quite dry year trees in the DOW showed significantly greater moisture stress than those on a hilltop in the GOW. The moisture stress measurements of trees and soil moisture determinations down to 86 cm indicate that all the mature trees are rooted mainly below 86 cm. At least one large tree is apparently rooted down to 6 m. A planting of Q. agrifolia acorns that were buried to simulate squirrel caches survived to establish many more seedlings than surface planted acorns due mainly to protection from predation and drying and to conditions affording good radicle penetration. In an open planting cattle destroyed all the seedlings that were established while most of the seedlings remained in a planting closed to cattle. The complete lack of oak reproduction in open habitats and the restriction of reproduction for both species to rock outcrops since 1910 is attributable to cattle grazing, which has been continuous since about 1910. The last reproduction of Q. engelmannii in the GOW's without outcrops and the peak reproduction of Q. agrifolia in the DOW occurred between 1890 and 1910. This may be explained partly by the fact that for at least 10 years during this time livestock were excluded due to a dry land farming operation in the area. More than half of the living Q. engelmannii were established before any known influence of European men and their livestock (1820) and there has been a general decline in establishment since then. This might be expected since they usually occur in open and exposed habitats which would be most subject to grazing pressure. There was a simultaneous establishment and rapid buildup of the Q. agrifolia population around rock outcrops in the DOW with the entrance of European man and his livestock which may be due to ground squirrels depositing acorns around their burrows which are often associated with rock outcrops. These squirrels are known to come into new areas after disturbance by man. Also about this time filaree, a new preferred food source for squirrels (in addition to acorns), was being established on California range lands which probably resulted in an increase in the squirrel population. An effective squirrel poisoning program was begun in the 1920's and this may also account for the decreased establishment of Q. agrifolia since this time even around rock outcrops. Close

• 14. [Article] Stand Structures of Oregon White Oak Woodlands, Regeneration, and Their Relationships to the Environment in Southwestern Oregon

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Northwest Scientific Association and can be found at: http://www.northwestscience.org/.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Stand Structures of Oregon White Oak Woodlands, Regeneration, and Their Relationships to the Environment in Southwestern Oregon Author: Gilligan, Laurie A., Muir, Patricia S. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Northwest Scientific Association and can be found at: http://www.northwestscience.org/. Title: Stand Structures of Oregon White Oak Woodlands, Regeneration, and Their Relationships to the Environment in Southwestern Oregon Author: Gilligan, Laurie A., Muir, Patricia S. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Northwest Scientific Association and can be found at: http://www.northwestscience.org/. Close

• 15. [Article] Bird Abundance and Microhabitat Associations with Oak Mistletoe in Willamette Valley Oak Woodlands

  In the last 200 years there have been significant declines in the amount and structural complexity of oak-dominated forests and savannahs in the Pacific Northwest. Restoring oak systems often involves ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Bird Abundance and Microhabitat Associations with Oak Mistletoe in Willamette Valley Oak Woodlands Author: Pritchard, Kyle R. In the last 200 years there have been significant declines in the amount and structural complexity of oak-dominated forests and savannahs in the Pacific Northwest. Restoring oak systems often involves selectively thinning stands of oaks in order to reduce competition for sunlight. In choosing which trees to cut, land managers often remove trees with obvious signs of disease or infection. One such infection is the parasitic mistletoe Phoradendron villosum, commonly referred to as Oak Mistletoe. However, the consequences of removing mistletoe-laden trees from the woodlands for oak-associated wildlife have not been studied. Mistletoe species play an important role in ecosystems globally, by providing habitat resources for wildlife, but the role of Oak Mistletoe in an oak-dominated ecosystem is almost completely undocumented. In order to investigate relationships between Oak Mistletoe and bird abundance and diversity, I quantified breeding bird use of Oregon White Oaks (Quercus garryana) with mistletoe loads between zero and 112 plants per tree, at five study sites in the Willamette Valley in the spring of 2014. In addition, I quantified six microhabitat features related to mistletoe infection, including branch swellings, dead wood, loose/missing bark, natural cavities, excavated cavities, deep cracks in the bole, and bole coverage by Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). My results suggest that 1) structural heterogeneity within the crown of the tree and 2) bird abundance, species richness, and use of trees are positively associated with mistletoe load. In order to investigate the use of Oak Mistletoe fruits as a wildlife food resource, I recruited citizen scientists to record observations of birds feeding on mistletoe fruits in the fall of 2014 and winter of 2015 in western Oregon. In addition, I installed six camera traps in Oregon White Oak trees in order to capture additional observations of birds and other wildlife feeding on Oak Mistletoe fruits. My results suggest that Oak Mistletoe is a fall and winter food resource for Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana), American Robins (Turdus migratorius), Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum), Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), and Western Grey Squirrels (Sciurus griseus). In this study, Western Bluebirds were observed to feed on mistletoe fruits up to 14 times more frequently than other bird species. By retaining some trees with mistletoe in the crown, land managers may be able to maintain the habitat quality for some wildlife species that use the microhabitat features and fruit resources associated with mistletoe. Title: Bird Abundance and Microhabitat Associations with Oak Mistletoe in Willamette Valley Oak Woodlands Author: Pritchard, Kyle R. In the last 200 years there have been significant declines in the amount and structural complexity of oak-dominated forests and savannahs in the Pacific Northwest. Restoring oak systems often involves selectively thinning stands of oaks in order to reduce competition for sunlight. In choosing which trees to cut, land managers often remove trees with obvious signs of disease or infection. One such infection is the parasitic mistletoe Phoradendron villosum, commonly referred to as Oak Mistletoe. However, the consequences of removing mistletoe-laden trees from the woodlands for oak-associated wildlife have not been studied. Mistletoe species play an important role in ecosystems globally, by providing habitat resources for wildlife, but the role of Oak Mistletoe in an oak-dominated ecosystem is almost completely undocumented. In order to investigate relationships between Oak Mistletoe and bird abundance and diversity, I quantified breeding bird use of Oregon White Oaks (Quercus garryana) with mistletoe loads between zero and 112 plants per tree, at five study sites in the Willamette Valley in the spring of 2014. In addition, I quantified six microhabitat features related to mistletoe infection, including branch swellings, dead wood, loose/missing bark, natural cavities, excavated cavities, deep cracks in the bole, and bole coverage by Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum). My results suggest that 1) structural heterogeneity within the crown of the tree and 2) bird abundance, species richness, and use of trees are positively associated with mistletoe load. In order to investigate the use of Oak Mistletoe fruits as a wildlife food resource, I recruited citizen scientists to record observations of birds feeding on mistletoe fruits in the fall of 2014 and winter of 2015 in western Oregon. In addition, I installed six camera traps in Oregon White Oak trees in order to capture additional observations of birds and other wildlife feeding on Oak Mistletoe fruits. My results suggest that Oak Mistletoe is a fall and winter food resource for Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana), American Robins (Turdus migratorius), Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum), Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), and Western Grey Squirrels (Sciurus griseus). In this study, Western Bluebirds were observed to feed on mistletoe fruits up to 14 times more frequently than other bird species. By retaining some trees with mistletoe in the crown, land managers may be able to maintain the habitat quality for some wildlife species that use the microhabitat features and fruit resources associated with mistletoe. Close

• 16. [Article] Monitoring the effects of oak woodland restoration on birds in the Willamette Valley, Oregon

  Pathways Internship Program

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Monitoring the effects of oak woodland restoration on birds in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Martinez, Elena Pathways Internship Program Title: Monitoring the effects of oak woodland restoration on birds in the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Martinez, Elena Pathways Internship Program Close

• 17. [Article] Klamath River Canyon oak thin and Big Bend fuels reduction environmental assessment

  24 pp. Tables, appendices, maps, references, illus. T 40S 6E Sec 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 26, 27, 34; T 41S 6E Sec 03, 04, 09. Captured August 8, 2007.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath River Canyon oak thin and Big Bend fuels reduction environmental assessment Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Lakeview District Year: 2008, 2006 24 pp. Tables, appendices, maps, references, illus. T 40S 6E Sec 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 26, 27, 34; T 41S 6E Sec 03, 04, 09. Captured August 8, 2007. Title: Klamath River Canyon oak thin and Big Bend fuels reduction environmental assessment Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Lakeview District Year: 2008, 2006 24 pp. Tables, appendices, maps, references, illus. T 40S 6E Sec 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 26, 27, 34; T 41S 6E Sec 03, 04, 09. Captured August 8, 2007. Close

• 18. [Article] Klamath River Canyon oak thin and Big Bend fuels reduction decision record and finding of no significant impact

  6 pp. T 40S 6E Sec 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 26, 27, 34; T 41S 6E Sec 03, 04, 09. Captured August 8, 2007.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath River Canyon oak thin and Big Bend fuels reduction decision record and finding of no significant impact Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Lakeview District Year: 2008, 2006 6 pp. T 40S 6E Sec 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 26, 27, 34; T 41S 6E Sec 03, 04, 09. Captured August 8, 2007. Title: Klamath River Canyon oak thin and Big Bend fuels reduction decision record and finding of no significant impact Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Lakeview District Year: 2008, 2006 6 pp. T 40S 6E Sec 11, 12, 13, 14, 23, 26, 27, 34; T 41S 6E Sec 03, 04, 09. Captured August 8, 2007. Close

• 19. [Article] Vegetation and climate of the northwest coast of North America during the last 500 K.Y. : high–resolution pollen evidence from the northern California margin

  Pollen analyses of sediments from Holes 1019C, 1019E, 1020C, and 1020D as well as piston Core EW9504-17 provide continuous, chronostratigraphically controlled proxy vegetation and climate data for coastal ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Vegetation and climate of the northwest coast of North America during the last 500 K.Y. : high–resolution pollen evidence from the northern California margin Author: Lyle, Mitchell, Heusser, Linda, Mix, Alan C. Pollen analyses of sediments from Holes 1019C, 1019E, 1020C, and 1020D as well as piston Core EW9504-17 provide continuous, chronostratigraphically controlled proxy vegetation and climate data for coastal northwest North America for the last ~500 k.y. Systematic changes in the representation of the diagnostic components of northern California plant assemblages clearly show orbital-scale variations. Interglacials are all marked by an abrupt increase in alder followed by expansion of lowland oak woodland and redwood forests. Glacials are dominated by montane forest and woodland assemblages. This sequence reflects large-scale climatic controls (e.g., orbital-scale variation in insolation and Northern Hemisphere ice sheets) in western North America over the last five glacial cycles. Regional climatic control (variations in sea-surface conditions) is implied by the differential development of xeric oak and mesic redwood communities. Title: Vegetation and climate of the northwest coast of North America during the last 500 K.Y. : high–resolution pollen evidence from the northern California margin Author: Lyle, Mitchell, Heusser, Linda, Mix, Alan C. Pollen analyses of sediments from Holes 1019C, 1019E, 1020C, and 1020D as well as piston Core EW9504-17 provide continuous, chronostratigraphically controlled proxy vegetation and climate data for coastal northwest North America for the last ~500 k.y. Systematic changes in the representation of the diagnostic components of northern California plant assemblages clearly show orbital-scale variations. Interglacials are all marked by an abrupt increase in alder followed by expansion of lowland oak woodland and redwood forests. Glacials are dominated by montane forest and woodland assemblages. This sequence reflects large-scale climatic controls (e.g., orbital-scale variation in insolation and Northern Hemisphere ice sheets) in western North America over the last five glacial cycles. Regional climatic control (variations in sea-surface conditions) is implied by the differential development of xeric oak and mesic redwood communities. Close

• 20. [Article] Granary-Site Selection by Acorn Woodpeckers in the Willamette Valley,

  © 2006 by the Northwest Scientific Association

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Granary-Site Selection by Acorn Woodpeckers in the Willamette Valley, Author: Rosenberg, Daniel K., Johnson, Eric M. © 2006 by the Northwest Scientific Association Title: Granary-Site Selection by Acorn Woodpeckers in the Willamette Valley, Author: Rosenberg, Daniel K., Johnson, Eric M. © 2006 by the Northwest Scientific Association Close

• 21. [Article] Klamath River Canyon vegetation and road treatments environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact

  43 pp. Tables, appendices, maps, references, illus. The project analysis area is located within and adjacent to the Klamath River Canyon in southern Oregon (see map 1). Captured July 2, 2008.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath River Canyon vegetation and road treatments environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Lakeview District Year: 2008 43 pp. Tables, appendices, maps, references, illus. The project analysis area is located within and adjacent to the Klamath River Canyon in southern Oregon (see map 1). Captured July 2, 2008. Title: Klamath River Canyon vegetation and road treatments environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Lakeview District Year: 2008 43 pp. Tables, appendices, maps, references, illus. The project analysis area is located within and adjacent to the Klamath River Canyon in southern Oregon (see map 1). Captured July 2, 2008. Close

• 22. [Article] Oregon Natural Areas Plan

  The rich diversity of ecosystems and native plants and animals is one of Oregon's most distinctive and valued qualities. Our state contains rain forests, dry forests, oak woodlands, alpine meadows, prairies, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Natural Areas Plan Author: Oregon Natural Heritage Advisory Council Year: 2010 The rich diversity of ecosystems and native plants and animals is one of Oregon's most distinctive and valued qualities. Our state contains rain forests, dry forests, oak woodlands, alpine meadows, prairies, deserts, marshes, estuaries, dunes, rocky headlands, lakes and streams. There are a number of reasons it is so diverse. First are the extremes of climate, with rainfall ranging from over 200 inches a year along Oregon’s north coast, to less than 7 inches a year in the Alvord Desert, and temperatures from the very mild banana belt along the coast near the California border to the extremes of the high alpine areas of the Wallowa Mountains. Secondly, Oregon is diverse geographically and geologically, having ancient serpentine landscapes in the Siskiyou Mountains and recent volcanics in the Cascades and the deepest gorge in North America at Hells Canyon. Lastly, Oregon is a floristic crossroads, with arctic boreal species finding their southern limit, Rocky Mountain species common in northeastern Oregon, Great Basin species in southeastern Oregon, and California coastal and Sierra species in the southwest, all mixing with native northwestern taxa to create a wide array of habitats. Title: Oregon Natural Areas Plan Author: Oregon Natural Heritage Advisory Council Year: 2010 The rich diversity of ecosystems and native plants and animals is one of Oregon's most distinctive and valued qualities. Our state contains rain forests, dry forests, oak woodlands, alpine meadows, prairies, deserts, marshes, estuaries, dunes, rocky headlands, lakes and streams. There are a number of reasons it is so diverse. First are the extremes of climate, with rainfall ranging from over 200 inches a year along Oregon’s north coast, to less than 7 inches a year in the Alvord Desert, and temperatures from the very mild banana belt along the coast near the California border to the extremes of the high alpine areas of the Wallowa Mountains. Secondly, Oregon is diverse geographically and geologically, having ancient serpentine landscapes in the Siskiyou Mountains and recent volcanics in the Cascades and the deepest gorge in North America at Hells Canyon. Lastly, Oregon is a floristic crossroads, with arctic boreal species finding their southern limit, Rocky Mountain species common in northeastern Oregon, Great Basin species in southeastern Oregon, and California coastal and Sierra species in the southwest, all mixing with native northwestern taxa to create a wide array of habitats. Close

• 23. [Article] Klamath River Canyon vegetation and road treatments decision record #1

  6 pp. Maps. The project analysis area is located within and adjacent to the Klamath River Canyon in southern Oregon (see map 1). Captured July 2, 2008.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath River Canyon vegetation and road treatments decision record #1 Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Lakeview District Year: 2008 6 pp. Maps. The project analysis area is located within and adjacent to the Klamath River Canyon in southern Oregon (see map 1). Captured July 2, 2008. Title: Klamath River Canyon vegetation and road treatments decision record #1 Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Lakeview District Year: 2008 6 pp. Maps. The project analysis area is located within and adjacent to the Klamath River Canyon in southern Oregon (see map 1). Captured July 2, 2008. Close

• 24. [Article] Movements, habitat associations, and survival of Columbian white-tailed deer in western Oregon

  Columbian white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus leucurus, CWTD) are a geographically isolated and federally endangered sub-species for which there is a paucity of recent ecological information. I described ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Movements, habitat associations, and survival of Columbian white-tailed deer in western Oregon Author: Ricca, Mark A. Columbian white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus leucurus, CWTD) are a geographically isolated and federally endangered sub-species for which there is a paucity of recent ecological information. I described and examined sources of variation in spatial use patterns (i.e. home range, areas of concentrated use, and movements), habitat associations, and survival for adult and fawn CWTD in Douglas County, Oregon. I radio-collared and monitored 64 adult CWTD and 36 newborn fawn CWTD from ca. December 1995 - September 1998. Locations for adults were obtained from September 1996 - December 1998. Locations for fawns were obtained from June - September, 1997 - 1998. Spatial use estimates for adults tended to be variable among deer. Mean 95% fixed kernel home range size was 74.5 ha (CV = 83%), while areas of concentrated use averaged 8.5 ha (CV = 93%). The sexes appeared to be partitioning space because males had larger home ranges, areas of concentrated use (which are analogous to core areas), and movements than females. Deer inhabiting human-influenced areas (suburban deer) consistently exhibited smaller movements and used less space than those away from human influence (wild deer). Mean home range size, area of concentrated use size, and distance between successive locations was generally greatest in fall and lowest in winter. Site fidelity to seasonal home ranges and areas of concentrated use was lowest between fall-winter and summer-fall. Unexpectedly, size of home ranges and areas of concentrated use were positively correlated with cover type heterogeneity. Annual adult survival rates averaged 0.73. Neither annual survival rates nor functions differed by sex or type. Survival over the entire 3 year study was low (0.39). Most deer died in winter from a combination of emaciation and disease and generally were in poor body condition. Oak-hardwood woodland, riparian, and oak-hardwood savanna shrub were the most frequently used cover types. On an annual basis, the majority of deer (31%) selected riparian areas. The frequency of selection of all non-riparian cover types was < 13%, as most deer either exhibited avoidance or 'neutral selection-avoidance' of these cover types. The probability of use for a particular patch was positively associated with proximity to a stream for 56% of all deer. However, the relative amount of edge within a particular patch had little effect on the odds of use. Patterns of use and selection tended to be similar between the sexes, but suburban deer used conifer and yard cover types more frequently than wild deer. Use and selection of cover types by deer did not significantly differ among seasons. CWTD also demonstrated higher use for more open cover types during crepuscular and nocturnal periods. Areas of concentrated use were random with respect to cover type composition, but were significantly associated with proximity ([less than or equal to] 200 m) to streams. Home ranges, areas of concentrated use, and movements of fawns were variable but tended to reflect their sedentary nature. Home range and area of concentrated use size were not correlated with percent coverage of oak-hardwood woodland, riparian, or shrub dominated cover types. Habitat use patterns were characterized by frequent use of oak-hardwood woodland and riparian cover types, and areas within 200 m of streams. These habitat use patterns may represent some degree of rigidity in habitat composition within fawning areas. However, there was no apparent selection of cover types or distance to stream classes within areas of concentrated use. Fawn survival to 6 months was low (0.15, 95% CI = 0.009 - 0.308) and was most similar to estimates from previous CWTD studies and unhunted white-tailed deer populations. Mortality was highest during approximately the first 1 - 1.5 months of life. There were no differences in survival to 6 months by sex, but females had significantly higher survival during the neonatal period than males. Survival time was unrelated to both movements and use of oak-hardwood woodland and riparian cover types. Predation was the most frequent (n = 8) cause of death, followed by abandonment (n = 5). Overall, adult CWTD were sedentary, dispersal movements were not readily apparent, and survival rates were within the range of rates reported for other white-tailed deer populations. Adult CWTD also exhibited a degree of specialization for riparian areas, and generalized use patterns for other cover types. CWTD fawns tended to use small areas, exhibited frequent use of oak-hardwood woodlands and areas near streams. Survival rates of adults and fawns may be suggestive of density dependent population responses. Title: Movements, habitat associations, and survival of Columbian white-tailed deer in western Oregon Author: Ricca, Mark A. Columbian white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus leucurus, CWTD) are a geographically isolated and federally endangered sub-species for which there is a paucity of recent ecological information. I described and examined sources of variation in spatial use patterns (i.e. home range, areas of concentrated use, and movements), habitat associations, and survival for adult and fawn CWTD in Douglas County, Oregon. I radio-collared and monitored 64 adult CWTD and 36 newborn fawn CWTD from ca. December 1995 - September 1998. Locations for adults were obtained from September 1996 - December 1998. Locations for fawns were obtained from June - September, 1997 - 1998. Spatial use estimates for adults tended to be variable among deer. Mean 95% fixed kernel home range size was 74.5 ha (CV = 83%), while areas of concentrated use averaged 8.5 ha (CV = 93%). The sexes appeared to be partitioning space because males had larger home ranges, areas of concentrated use (which are analogous to core areas), and movements than females. Deer inhabiting human-influenced areas (suburban deer) consistently exhibited smaller movements and used less space than those away from human influence (wild deer). Mean home range size, area of concentrated use size, and distance between successive locations was generally greatest in fall and lowest in winter. Site fidelity to seasonal home ranges and areas of concentrated use was lowest between fall-winter and summer-fall. Unexpectedly, size of home ranges and areas of concentrated use were positively correlated with cover type heterogeneity. Annual adult survival rates averaged 0.73. Neither annual survival rates nor functions differed by sex or type. Survival over the entire 3 year study was low (0.39). Most deer died in winter from a combination of emaciation and disease and generally were in poor body condition. Oak-hardwood woodland, riparian, and oak-hardwood savanna shrub were the most frequently used cover types. On an annual basis, the majority of deer (31%) selected riparian areas. The frequency of selection of all non-riparian cover types was < 13%, as most deer either exhibited avoidance or 'neutral selection-avoidance' of these cover types. The probability of use for a particular patch was positively associated with proximity to a stream for 56% of all deer. However, the relative amount of edge within a particular patch had little effect on the odds of use. Patterns of use and selection tended to be similar between the sexes, but suburban deer used conifer and yard cover types more frequently than wild deer. Use and selection of cover types by deer did not significantly differ among seasons. CWTD also demonstrated higher use for more open cover types during crepuscular and nocturnal periods. Areas of concentrated use were random with respect to cover type composition, but were significantly associated with proximity ([less than or equal to] 200 m) to streams. Home ranges, areas of concentrated use, and movements of fawns were variable but tended to reflect their sedentary nature. Home range and area of concentrated use size were not correlated with percent coverage of oak-hardwood woodland, riparian, or shrub dominated cover types. Habitat use patterns were characterized by frequent use of oak-hardwood woodland and riparian cover types, and areas within 200 m of streams. These habitat use patterns may represent some degree of rigidity in habitat composition within fawning areas. However, there was no apparent selection of cover types or distance to stream classes within areas of concentrated use. Fawn survival to 6 months was low (0.15, 95% CI = 0.009 - 0.308) and was most similar to estimates from previous CWTD studies and unhunted white-tailed deer populations. Mortality was highest during approximately the first 1 - 1.5 months of life. There were no differences in survival to 6 months by sex, but females had significantly higher survival during the neonatal period than males. Survival time was unrelated to both movements and use of oak-hardwood woodland and riparian cover types. Predation was the most frequent (n = 8) cause of death, followed by abandonment (n = 5). Overall, adult CWTD were sedentary, dispersal movements were not readily apparent, and survival rates were within the range of rates reported for other white-tailed deer populations. Adult CWTD also exhibited a degree of specialization for riparian areas, and generalized use patterns for other cover types. CWTD fawns tended to use small areas, exhibited frequent use of oak-hardwood woodlands and areas near streams. Survival rates of adults and fawns may be suggestive of density dependent population responses. Close

• 25. [Article] Private forests, public policy : oak conservation on family forests in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

  In the United States, many of the thorniest natural resource conflicts occur on private lands. This is especially true in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon where the hallmark habitat type, Oregon ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Private forests, public policy : oak conservation on family forests in Oregon’s Willamette Valley Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige In the United States, many of the thorniest natural resource conflicts occur on private lands. This is especially true in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon where the hallmark habitat type, Oregon white oak woodland and savanna, is imperiled. Almost exclusively found on private land, Oregon white oak is threatened by urban development, vineyards, tree plantations, and the elimination of the periodic fires to which it is adapted. While regional and local planners, conservationists and natural resource agencies are attempting to conserve oak, little effort has been made to understand the social group in whose hands the fate of much of the resource rests: family forest owners. This paper presents a case study of oak conservation on family forestlands in Oregon. Through individual and group interviews and building upon social constructionism and interpretive policy analysis, this research investigates how two stakeholder groups—family forest owners and natural resource professionals—frame the problem of oak’s decline and opportunities and constraints for its conservation. It also analyzes some of the conservation policies that informants suggested for oak. By illuminating owners’ needs, capacities and constraints, and identifying areas of common ground and conflict in informants’ interpretive frames, this research identifies ways to reach out to a target group with empathy, facilitate cooperation between stakeholders, and avert potential conflicts that arise from conservation strategies. Title: Private forests, public policy : oak conservation on family forests in Oregon’s Willamette Valley Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige In the United States, many of the thorniest natural resource conflicts occur on private lands. This is especially true in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon where the hallmark habitat type, Oregon white oak woodland and savanna, is imperiled. Almost exclusively found on private land, Oregon white oak is threatened by urban development, vineyards, tree plantations, and the elimination of the periodic fires to which it is adapted. While regional and local planners, conservationists and natural resource agencies are attempting to conserve oak, little effort has been made to understand the social group in whose hands the fate of much of the resource rests: family forest owners. This paper presents a case study of oak conservation on family forestlands in Oregon. Through individual and group interviews and building upon social constructionism and interpretive policy analysis, this research investigates how two stakeholder groups—family forest owners and natural resource professionals—frame the problem of oak’s decline and opportunities and constraints for its conservation. It also analyzes some of the conservation policies that informants suggested for oak. By illuminating owners’ needs, capacities and constraints, and identifying areas of common ground and conflict in informants’ interpretive frames, this research identifies ways to reach out to a target group with empathy, facilitate cooperation between stakeholders, and avert potential conflicts that arise from conservation strategies. Close

• 26. [Article] Oak Habitat Mapping and Monitoring in the Southern Eugene Ridgeline

  Submitted to the Undergraduate Library Research Award scholarship competition: 2010-2011. 63 p.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oak Habitat Mapping and Monitoring in the Southern Eugene Ridgeline Author: Bigalke, Brittany, Kimmy, Ertel, Liston, Matthew, Park, Alex, Russell, Alexandria, Silva, Matt Year: 2011 Submitted to the Undergraduate Library Research Award scholarship competition: 2010-2011. 63 p. Title: Oak Habitat Mapping and Monitoring in the Southern Eugene Ridgeline Author: Bigalke, Brittany, Kimmy, Ertel, Liston, Matthew, Park, Alex, Russell, Alexandria, Silva, Matt Year: 2011 Submitted to the Undergraduate Library Research Award scholarship competition: 2010-2011. 63 p. Close

• 27. [Article] Granary-site selection by acorn woodpeckers in Benton County, Oregon

  The acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is among the most common primary cavity nesters of the Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands. Understanding their selection of granary sites is important ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Granary-site selection by acorn woodpeckers in Benton County, Oregon Author: Johnson, Eric M. The acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is among the most common primary cavity nesters of the Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands. Understanding their selection of granary sites is important in evaluating habitat quality and management actions. I hypothesized that granary locations would be consistent with the optimal foraging theory. Site characters were selected that were hypothesized to affect granary profitability. I compared site characteristics of granaries and non-granaries within the home ranges of 20 colonies in Benton County, Oregon during the winter of 2001. Granaries had greater oak basal area (x*=104 ± 16 dm2), shorter brush height (x*=-26 ± 7 cm), larger diameter at breast height (dbh) (x*=l1 ± 4 cm). Of 14 a priori models considered, I determined that the Forage Model was the best predictor of granary presence. This model is based solely on the oak basal area variable, a measure of potential acorn production. Increased acorn production in the vicinity of granaries is likely beneficial to the birds because minimal effort is expended in caching maximum forage. Title: Granary-site selection by acorn woodpeckers in Benton County, Oregon Author: Johnson, Eric M. The acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) is among the most common primary cavity nesters of the Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) woodlands. Understanding their selection of granary sites is important in evaluating habitat quality and management actions. I hypothesized that granary locations would be consistent with the optimal foraging theory. Site characters were selected that were hypothesized to affect granary profitability. I compared site characteristics of granaries and non-granaries within the home ranges of 20 colonies in Benton County, Oregon during the winter of 2001. Granaries had greater oak basal area (x*=104 ± 16 dm2), shorter brush height (x*=-26 ± 7 cm), larger diameter at breast height (dbh) (x*=l1 ± 4 cm). Of 14 a priori models considered, I determined that the Forage Model was the best predictor of granary presence. This model is based solely on the oak basal area variable, a measure of potential acorn production. Increased acorn production in the vicinity of granaries is likely beneficial to the birds because minimal effort is expended in caching maximum forage. Close

• 28. [Article] Historical Vegetation of Central Southwest Oregon, Based on GLO Survey Notes : Final Report to USDI Bureau of Land Management, Medford District

  Historical vegetation at the time of European settlement is of great interest to both the public and land managers, but is poorly documented. One source of data are the earliest land survey records of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Historical Vegetation of Central Southwest Oregon, Based on GLO Survey Notes : Final Report to USDI Bureau of Land Management, Medford District Author: Hickman, O. Eugene, Christy, John A. Year: 2011 Historical vegetation at the time of European settlement is of great interest to both the public and land managers, but is poorly documented. One source of data are the earliest land survey records of the General Land Office (GLO). Rectangular township surveys in Southwest Oregon were initiated in the mid 1850’s as settlers began to claim homesteads in the Bear Creek Valley surrounding what is now Medford. We examined GLO land survey field notes and plats (maps) accompanying the surveys, transcribed GLO landscape data into an Access database, and classified the data set into very general vegetation types for mapping. About 89 vegetation types (subclasses) were described for mapping historic vegetation, distinguished by major differences in plant composition and topographic features. Tree density was estimated from section line descriptions and witness tree spacing at corners, and was used to classify stands into tree classes. These types then were combined into broad “Vegetation Classes” for mapping (i.e. savanna, shrubland, forest, prairie). Classifying and mapping historical vegetation occurred on about 418,500 acres in an earlier OSU study, and about 720,700 acres in this BLM study, located in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The authors merged results from these adjacent GLO studies, expanding the coverage to approximately 1.14 million acres (49 townships). Modern soil surveys of the study area helped the authors interpret GLO data and draw vegetation boundaries. About 44% of the landscape was closed upland forest, 41% woodland, 1.4% riparian forest, 2% oak or conifer savanna, 1% shrublands, and 11% bottomland meadow or upland prairie. Forest types ranged from moist, mixed conifer uplands to dry valley ponderosa pine-hardwood grassland. Large areas of prairie and mixed oak-conifer woodland dominated many low elevation locations on plains, foothills, and especially clayey terraces or southern slopes near what is now Medford. Nearly 115 plant species or plant groups were identified by the surveyors, mostly trees and shrubs. Some were misidentified and not easily interpreted by the authors when archaic names were used by the surveyors. Grazing quality was frequently noted as surveyors attempted to describe land productivity for livestock. Historic baseline plant data is presented for broad landscape transects and sometimes by topographic positions, but is limited by the sketchy nature of the original surveyor notes. Nearly 350 homestead parcels of various sizes were claimed in the study, as identified in GLO survey notes and on Donation Land Claim maps, showing how quickly settlement occurred in the study area after gold was discovered in 1851. Most early homesteads included prairie or oak savanna, which was open and more easily converted to farmland or pasture. Early saw mills, grist mills, fields, roads, water diversions and major Indian trails were also identified and transcribed from the GLO records. Title: Historical Vegetation of Central Southwest Oregon, Based on GLO Survey Notes : Final Report to USDI Bureau of Land Management, Medford District Author: Hickman, O. Eugene, Christy, John A. Year: 2011 Historical vegetation at the time of European settlement is of great interest to both the public and land managers, but is poorly documented. One source of data are the earliest land survey records of the General Land Office (GLO). Rectangular township surveys in Southwest Oregon were initiated in the mid 1850’s as settlers began to claim homesteads in the Bear Creek Valley surrounding what is now Medford. We examined GLO land survey field notes and plats (maps) accompanying the surveys, transcribed GLO landscape data into an Access database, and classified the data set into very general vegetation types for mapping. About 89 vegetation types (subclasses) were described for mapping historic vegetation, distinguished by major differences in plant composition and topographic features. Tree density was estimated from section line descriptions and witness tree spacing at corners, and was used to classify stands into tree classes. These types then were combined into broad “Vegetation Classes” for mapping (i.e. savanna, shrubland, forest, prairie). Classifying and mapping historical vegetation occurred on about 418,500 acres in an earlier OSU study, and about 720,700 acres in this BLM study, located in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The authors merged results from these adjacent GLO studies, expanding the coverage to approximately 1.14 million acres (49 townships). Modern soil surveys of the study area helped the authors interpret GLO data and draw vegetation boundaries. About 44% of the landscape was closed upland forest, 41% woodland, 1.4% riparian forest, 2% oak or conifer savanna, 1% shrublands, and 11% bottomland meadow or upland prairie. Forest types ranged from moist, mixed conifer uplands to dry valley ponderosa pine-hardwood grassland. Large areas of prairie and mixed oak-conifer woodland dominated many low elevation locations on plains, foothills, and especially clayey terraces or southern slopes near what is now Medford. Nearly 115 plant species or plant groups were identified by the surveyors, mostly trees and shrubs. Some were misidentified and not easily interpreted by the authors when archaic names were used by the surveyors. Grazing quality was frequently noted as surveyors attempted to describe land productivity for livestock. Historic baseline plant data is presented for broad landscape transects and sometimes by topographic positions, but is limited by the sketchy nature of the original surveyor notes. Nearly 350 homestead parcels of various sizes were claimed in the study, as identified in GLO survey notes and on Donation Land Claim maps, showing how quickly settlement occurred in the study area after gold was discovered in 1851. Most early homesteads included prairie or oak savanna, which was open and more easily converted to farmland or pasture. Early saw mills, grist mills, fields, roads, water diversions and major Indian trails were also identified and transcribed from the GLO records. Close

• 29. [Article] Historical vegetation of central southwest Oregon, based on GLO survey notes : final report to USDI Bureau of Land Management, Medford District

  Final report to USDI Bureau of Land Management. Medford District, Oregon

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Historical vegetation of central southwest Oregon, based on GLO survey notes : final report to USDI Bureau of Land Management, Medford District Author: Hickman, O. Eugene, Christy, John A., The Institute for Natural Resources Final report to USDI Bureau of Land Management. Medford District, Oregon Title: Historical vegetation of central southwest Oregon, based on GLO survey notes : final report to USDI Bureau of Land Management, Medford District Author: Hickman, O. Eugene, Christy, John A., The Institute for Natural Resources Final report to USDI Bureau of Land Management. Medford District, Oregon Close

• 30. [Article] The seasonal occurrence and distribution of stoneflies (Plecoptera) of a western Oregon stream

  Plecoptera were collected from four sampling stations selected to represent a range of conditions on Oak Creek, a small woodland stream originating in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range. The elevation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The seasonal occurrence and distribution of stoneflies (Plecoptera) of a western Oregon stream Author: Kerst, Cary Dean Plecoptera were collected from four sampling stations selected to represent a range of conditions on Oak Creek, a small woodland stream originating in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range. The elevation of Site I was 700 ft. while the lowest site was located at 225 ft. Monthly benthos samples were taken for one year from a riffle and glide section at each site using a stovepipe sampler (6 in. dia. ) and a standard tropical fish net. Samples were sorted in the laboratory and Plecoptera identified and placed into 1 mm size classes. Emergence of adults was measured for 13 months using a tent-shaped trap (1 m²) at each site. Traps were checked once or twice weekly. Forty-two species of Plecoptera were found in Oak Creek. The number of species is very large when compared with other studies. The stonefly fauna is fairly similar to that reported 35 years ago. Thirty-seven of the 42 species complete emergence during the spring. Temporal separation is marked in the emergence periods of Nemoura and Leuctra. Examples of split emergence periods and early emergence of males were found. Life cycle information is given for a number of species and genera. Using the Shannon-Wiener function, diversity of emerging adults ranks by season as: Spring > Summer > Winter > Fall. The diversity of the sites on a yearly basis is: II > I > III > IV. Using a percentage of similarity index it is concluded that Sites I and II are very similar. Site III is intermediate while Site IV is quite different. A number of examples of restricted distributions are cited. These examples illustrate that differences in longitudinal distribution are important in ecological segregation. Herbivorous stoneflies (suborder Filipalpia) comprise a greater proportion of the fauna at the upper site while predaceous stoneflies (Setipalpia) predominate in the lower areas. Water depth and amounts of leaves and silt are important factors in determining the distribution of stoneflies. Most species are abundant in leaf drifts. Microhabitat selection does not appear to be rigorous. Title: The seasonal occurrence and distribution of stoneflies (Plecoptera) of a western Oregon stream Author: Kerst, Cary Dean Plecoptera were collected from four sampling stations selected to represent a range of conditions on Oak Creek, a small woodland stream originating in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range. The elevation of Site I was 700 ft. while the lowest site was located at 225 ft. Monthly benthos samples were taken for one year from a riffle and glide section at each site using a stovepipe sampler (6 in. dia. ) and a standard tropical fish net. Samples were sorted in the laboratory and Plecoptera identified and placed into 1 mm size classes. Emergence of adults was measured for 13 months using a tent-shaped trap (1 m²) at each site. Traps were checked once or twice weekly. Forty-two species of Plecoptera were found in Oak Creek. The number of species is very large when compared with other studies. The stonefly fauna is fairly similar to that reported 35 years ago. Thirty-seven of the 42 species complete emergence during the spring. Temporal separation is marked in the emergence periods of Nemoura and Leuctra. Examples of split emergence periods and early emergence of males were found. Life cycle information is given for a number of species and genera. Using the Shannon-Wiener function, diversity of emerging adults ranks by season as: Spring > Summer > Winter > Fall. The diversity of the sites on a yearly basis is: II > I > III > IV. Using a percentage of similarity index it is concluded that Sites I and II are very similar. Site III is intermediate while Site IV is quite different. A number of examples of restricted distributions are cited. These examples illustrate that differences in longitudinal distribution are important in ecological segregation. Herbivorous stoneflies (suborder Filipalpia) comprise a greater proportion of the fauna at the upper site while predaceous stoneflies (Setipalpia) predominate in the lower areas. Water depth and amounts of leaves and silt are important factors in determining the distribution of stoneflies. Most species are abundant in leaf drifts. Microhabitat selection does not appear to be rigorous. Close

• 31. [Article] Synecology of the white-oak (Quercus garryana Douglas) woodlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregon

  Quercus garryana dominated plant communities are found in the interior coastal valleys and on foothills from southeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, south to San Francisco, California. They occur ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Synecology of the white-oak (Quercus garryana Douglas) woodlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Thilenius, John F., 1931- Quercus garryana dominated plant communities are found in the interior coastal valleys and on foothills from southeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, south to San Francisco, California. They occur as savannas, intermixed with a variety of conifers, and in almost pure stands. The diversity of habitats occupied by the species and the variety of vegetation associated with it provide an opportunity for a basic synecological investigation of plant communities having a common, important member. The study was designed to describe the floristic composition and structure of the Quercus garryana communities, to determine their ecological relation to the physical environment, and clarify successional status. It provides a framework for future autecological investigations of the component species and is directed at furnishing a fuller understanding of the synecology of an important segment of the vegetation of western Oregon. Two levels of sampling were used during the study. The first was a rapidly applied, qualitative method. This reconnaissance technique was designed to provide an assessment of dominance, size-class distribution, and composition of the species comprising the vegetation. Information on influential habitat factors was also obtained. Sampling at this level enabled the examination of many stands, provided a record of each stand, and served as the basis for the selection of stands for more quantitative sampling. One hundred forty stands were examined during the reconnaissance phase of the study. Subjective evaluation of these stands supported by an analysis using marginal punch cards determined that only a few species were dominating the tall shrub and low shrub-herbaceous layers of the understory and that certain combinations of these dominant species were being repeated geographically through the study area. The second sampling phase was based on the reconnaissance information and was designed to provide a quantitative record of the species complexes or plant communities delineated during reconnaissance. This method was applicable by a single investigator and measured the dominance, frequency, size distribution, and density of tree species; and the percent coverage and percent frequency of shrubs, herbs, and grasses. Soil profile descriptions were made in each stand where the vegetation was quantitatively sampled. Salient features of the physical environment were also recorded as were indications of past and present land uses. Forty seven stands were sampled. Quercus garryana was the cverstory tree dominant in all of these stands. The understory pecies were found to fall into four major communities. From mesic to xeric these were: the Corylus cornuta/Polystichum munitum community, the Prunus avium/Symphoricarpos albus community, the Amelanchier alnifolia/Symphoricarpos albus community, and the Rhus diversiloba community. These communities were named for the species usually dominating the tall shrub and low shrub layers. Seven soil series served as the substrate of these communities; Steiwer, Carlton, Peavine, Dixonville, Nekia, Olympic, and Amity. The understory plant communities of the Quercus forest show considerable variation and intergradation. Changes are a matter of shifts in species dominance rather than alterations in species composition. The absence of environmental extremes in the Willamette Valley and heavy present and historical land use have increased this intergradation. The presence of large, open-form Quercus garryana trees surrounded by smaller forest-form trees indicates that the present Quercus forests have developed from a savanna. The cause of this change in gross physiognomy is probably the control of the repeated ground fires which swept the pre-settlement savanna. Mature Quercus trees are not harmed by ground fires, but such fires would tend to keep dense reproduction from occurring. The present abundance of Rhus diversiloba in the under story may be directly related to heavy livestock grazing. The interconnected root system of ground cover and liana-form Rhus provides the species with a grazing resistance mechanism. The liana Rhus is out of reach of grazing animals. Photosynthate transferred from the liana to the ground cover plants would aid the latter in retaining vigor even under heavy grazing pressure. Thus it would have an advantage over other plants that were also being grazed, eventually becoming the ground layer dominant. Both Pseudotsuga menziesii and Acer macrophyllum appear to be successional to Quercus garryana. Acer is better adapted to mesic sites than Quercus. Pseudotsuga will succeed Quercus on less mesic sites. The successional trends are promoted by livestock grazing which opens up the ground layer and facilitates seedling establishment especially for Pseudotsuga. On some sites Prunus avium, an introduced species, is becoming part of the overstory canopy. It reproduces vigorously in its own shade and will become an important member of the Quercus forest in the future. Quercus garryana reproduction was more abundant on drier, exposed sites and the species seems to be able to perpetuate itself on these locations. Title: Synecology of the white-oak (Quercus garryana Douglas) woodlands of the Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Thilenius, John F., 1931- Quercus garryana dominated plant communities are found in the interior coastal valleys and on foothills from southeastern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, south to San Francisco, California. They occur as savannas, intermixed with a variety of conifers, and in almost pure stands. The diversity of habitats occupied by the species and the variety of vegetation associated with it provide an opportunity for a basic synecological investigation of plant communities having a common, important member. The study was designed to describe the floristic composition and structure of the Quercus garryana communities, to determine their ecological relation to the physical environment, and clarify successional status. It provides a framework for future autecological investigations of the component species and is directed at furnishing a fuller understanding of the synecology of an important segment of the vegetation of western Oregon. Two levels of sampling were used during the study. The first was a rapidly applied, qualitative method. This reconnaissance technique was designed to provide an assessment of dominance, size-class distribution, and composition of the species comprising the vegetation. Information on influential habitat factors was also obtained. Sampling at this level enabled the examination of many stands, provided a record of each stand, and served as the basis for the selection of stands for more quantitative sampling. One hundred forty stands were examined during the reconnaissance phase of the study. Subjective evaluation of these stands supported by an analysis using marginal punch cards determined that only a few species were dominating the tall shrub and low shrub-herbaceous layers of the understory and that certain combinations of these dominant species were being repeated geographically through the study area. The second sampling phase was based on the reconnaissance information and was designed to provide a quantitative record of the species complexes or plant communities delineated during reconnaissance. This method was applicable by a single investigator and measured the dominance, frequency, size distribution, and density of tree species; and the percent coverage and percent frequency of shrubs, herbs, and grasses. Soil profile descriptions were made in each stand where the vegetation was quantitatively sampled. Salient features of the physical environment were also recorded as were indications of past and present land uses. Forty seven stands were sampled. Quercus garryana was the cverstory tree dominant in all of these stands. The understory pecies were found to fall into four major communities. From mesic to xeric these were: the Corylus cornuta/Polystichum munitum community, the Prunus avium/Symphoricarpos albus community, the Amelanchier alnifolia/Symphoricarpos albus community, and the Rhus diversiloba community. These communities were named for the species usually dominating the tall shrub and low shrub layers. Seven soil series served as the substrate of these communities; Steiwer, Carlton, Peavine, Dixonville, Nekia, Olympic, and Amity. The understory plant communities of the Quercus forest show considerable variation and intergradation. Changes are a matter of shifts in species dominance rather than alterations in species composition. The absence of environmental extremes in the Willamette Valley and heavy present and historical land use have increased this intergradation. The presence of large, open-form Quercus garryana trees surrounded by smaller forest-form trees indicates that the present Quercus forests have developed from a savanna. The cause of this change in gross physiognomy is probably the control of the repeated ground fires which swept the pre-settlement savanna. Mature Quercus trees are not harmed by ground fires, but such fires would tend to keep dense reproduction from occurring. The present abundance of Rhus diversiloba in the under story may be directly related to heavy livestock grazing. The interconnected root system of ground cover and liana-form Rhus provides the species with a grazing resistance mechanism. The liana Rhus is out of reach of grazing animals. Photosynthate transferred from the liana to the ground cover plants would aid the latter in retaining vigor even under heavy grazing pressure. Thus it would have an advantage over other plants that were also being grazed, eventually becoming the ground layer dominant. Both Pseudotsuga menziesii and Acer macrophyllum appear to be successional to Quercus garryana. Acer is better adapted to mesic sites than Quercus. Pseudotsuga will succeed Quercus on less mesic sites. The successional trends are promoted by livestock grazing which opens up the ground layer and facilitates seedling establishment especially for Pseudotsuga. On some sites Prunus avium, an introduced species, is becoming part of the overstory canopy. It reproduces vigorously in its own shade and will become an important member of the Quercus forest in the future. Quercus garryana reproduction was more abundant on drier, exposed sites and the species seems to be able to perpetuate itself on these locations. Close

• 32. [Article] The logistics of working with poison oak

  This appendix to my dissertation documents how I worked with poison oak plants as a subject of study for three years. It contains practical suggestions for people who have my level of sensitivity (low ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The logistics of working with poison oak Author: Gartner, Barbara Lachenbruch This appendix to my dissertation documents how I worked with poison oak plants as a subject of study for three years. It contains practical suggestions for people who have my level of sensitivity (low to moderate). I expect it may be useful for hikers, mountain bikers, woodland owners, people in roads departments, and researchers who are out in areas that have a lot of poison oak. The contact dermatitis from poison ivy is very very similar, so I expect this will be of use for people who deal with poison ivy, as well. Title: The logistics of working with poison oak Author: Gartner, Barbara Lachenbruch This appendix to my dissertation documents how I worked with poison oak plants as a subject of study for three years. It contains practical suggestions for people who have my level of sensitivity (low to moderate). I expect it may be useful for hikers, mountain bikers, woodland owners, people in roads departments, and researchers who are out in areas that have a lot of poison oak. The contact dermatitis from poison ivy is very very similar, so I expect this will be of use for people who deal with poison ivy, as well. Close

• 33. [Article] Status and habitat use of Columbian white-tailed deer in Douglas County, Oregon

  A study conducted May 1978-December 1980 determined that the present geographic range of Columbian white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus leucurus, (CWTD) in Douglas County, Oregon encompassed 1199km2. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Status and habitat use of Columbian white-tailed deer in Douglas County, Oregon Author: Smith, Winston Paul A study conducted May 1978-December 1980 determined that the present geographic range of Columbian white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus leucurus, (CWTD) in Douglas County, Oregon encompassed 1199km2. The area was predominately a Quercus woodland community, typical of the Interior Valley Zone of western Oregon. The CWTD distribution was not contiguous throughout its range; the highest densities occurred along the North Umpqua River between Glide and Wilbur. Ten habitats were described: grassland, grass-shrub, oak-savanna, open oak, closed oak, oak-conifer, oak-madrone, madrone, riparian and conifer. CWTD exhibited a preference (P<0.05) for grass-shrub, oak-savanna, open oak, closed oak, riparian and conifer habitats while selecting the remaining habitats less frequently (P<0.05) than was expected from corresponding availabilities. Grassland use increased proportionally with biomass production of grasses and forbs during the spring and with mean monthly precipitation in the fall; CWTD utilized grasslands more frequently (P<0.05) during the fall than in the spring. Fawns utilized. woodland and brushland habitats more frequently (P<0.05) than yearlings and adults; yearlings utilized grasslands more often (P<0.05) and grassshrub habitats less frequently (P<0.05) than adults. Adult males occurred less frequently (P<0.05) in grass-shrub and more often (P<0.05) in conifer habitats than adult females, particularly in the summer. The population estimates for the 2745 ha study area were 628 and 740 CWTD representing an average density of 22.9 and 27.0 CWTD per km2, respectively. There existed a positive association (P<0.05) between distribution and abundance of CWTD and the juxtaposition of suitable habitat to the North Umpqua River. A positive curvilinear relationship between CWTD density and percent woodland cover was observed; maximum densities occurred in areas supporting approximately 50% woodland cover. Fall herd composition estimates were 52 fawns and 30 bucks per 100 does. Secondary sex ratios departed from unity (P<0.05) favoring males when summer rainfall was abnormally low. Malnutrition and vehicle-inflicted injuries accounted for the largest proportion of known mortality. The ultimate cause of mortality among yearling and adult males and females was apparently associated with reproduction; these activities were more demanding (P<0.05) on males. The median age at death for males (1.65) was less (P<0.05) than that observed for females (2.15). Fawn survival and recruitment varied inversely with existing population densities and winter severity. Parasite loads were light and corresponded with observed seasonal differences in the physical condition of CWTD. Convex polygon estimates of home range size for CWTD females and males averaged 21.1 ha and 32.8 ha, respectively. Elliptical home range estimates were invariably larger than corresponding convex polygon estimates and averaged 44.5 ha and 47.1 ha for females and males, respectively. Home ranges were stable between years; however, males and females demonstrated significant shifts in center of activity among the seasons, behaviors observed to be associated with rutting and fawning activities, respectively. CWTD and black-tailed deer demonstrated a local geographic and ecological segregation; there was a significant inverse correlation in the relative densities of the two species, and sympatric populations of black-tailed deer and CWTD differed (P<0.05) in their frequency of occurrence among the ten habitats. Local geographic distributions and habitat-use patterns indicated that within preferred habitats, CWTD competitively excluded black-tailed deer. Lowland riparian systems played a major role in CWTD ecology, representing an important environmental component in the life history of the species and serving as corridors of dispersal and recent geographic expansion. Title: Status and habitat use of Columbian white-tailed deer in Douglas County, Oregon Author: Smith, Winston Paul A study conducted May 1978-December 1980 determined that the present geographic range of Columbian white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus leucurus, (CWTD) in Douglas County, Oregon encompassed 1199km2. The area was predominately a Quercus woodland community, typical of the Interior Valley Zone of western Oregon. The CWTD distribution was not contiguous throughout its range; the highest densities occurred along the North Umpqua River between Glide and Wilbur. Ten habitats were described: grassland, grass-shrub, oak-savanna, open oak, closed oak, oak-conifer, oak-madrone, madrone, riparian and conifer. CWTD exhibited a preference (P<0.05) for grass-shrub, oak-savanna, open oak, closed oak, riparian and conifer habitats while selecting the remaining habitats less frequently (P<0.05) than was expected from corresponding availabilities. Grassland use increased proportionally with biomass production of grasses and forbs during the spring and with mean monthly precipitation in the fall; CWTD utilized grasslands more frequently (P<0.05) during the fall than in the spring. Fawns utilized. woodland and brushland habitats more frequently (P<0.05) than yearlings and adults; yearlings utilized grasslands more often (P<0.05) and grassshrub habitats less frequently (P<0.05) than adults. Adult males occurred less frequently (P<0.05) in grass-shrub and more often (P<0.05) in conifer habitats than adult females, particularly in the summer. The population estimates for the 2745 ha study area were 628 and 740 CWTD representing an average density of 22.9 and 27.0 CWTD per km2, respectively. There existed a positive association (P<0.05) between distribution and abundance of CWTD and the juxtaposition of suitable habitat to the North Umpqua River. A positive curvilinear relationship between CWTD density and percent woodland cover was observed; maximum densities occurred in areas supporting approximately 50% woodland cover. Fall herd composition estimates were 52 fawns and 30 bucks per 100 does. Secondary sex ratios departed from unity (P<0.05) favoring males when summer rainfall was abnormally low. Malnutrition and vehicle-inflicted injuries accounted for the largest proportion of known mortality. The ultimate cause of mortality among yearling and adult males and females was apparently associated with reproduction; these activities were more demanding (P<0.05) on males. The median age at death for males (1.65) was less (P<0.05) than that observed for females (2.15). Fawn survival and recruitment varied inversely with existing population densities and winter severity. Parasite loads were light and corresponded with observed seasonal differences in the physical condition of CWTD. Convex polygon estimates of home range size for CWTD females and males averaged 21.1 ha and 32.8 ha, respectively. Elliptical home range estimates were invariably larger than corresponding convex polygon estimates and averaged 44.5 ha and 47.1 ha for females and males, respectively. Home ranges were stable between years; however, males and females demonstrated significant shifts in center of activity among the seasons, behaviors observed to be associated with rutting and fawning activities, respectively. CWTD and black-tailed deer demonstrated a local geographic and ecological segregation; there was a significant inverse correlation in the relative densities of the two species, and sympatric populations of black-tailed deer and CWTD differed (P<0.05) in their frequency of occurrence among the ten habitats. Local geographic distributions and habitat-use patterns indicated that within preferred habitats, CWTD competitively excluded black-tailed deer. Lowland riparian systems played a major role in CWTD ecology, representing an important environmental component in the life history of the species and serving as corridors of dispersal and recent geographic expansion. Close

• 34. [Article] Classification of oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley

  A plant community classification was developed describing the comprehensive variation of oak vegetation currently occupying the Willamette Valley Ecoregion of western Oregon. Multivariate statistical analyses ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Classification of oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley Author: Fitzpatrick, Greg, Kertis, Jane, Alverson, Ed, Buechling, Arne A plant community classification was developed describing the comprehensive variation of oak vegetation currently occupying the Willamette Valley Ecoregion of western Oregon. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to classify field collected floristic and habitat data. Field sampling targeted minimally managed, homogenous vegetation stands with a significant oak component occupying at least 0.5 ha. Potential habitat locations were identified from local expert knowledge, data from The Nature Conservancy’s previous conservation planning efforts, and an interpretation of high resolution NAIP imagery. Potential oak habitats were digitized in a GIS and a random selection of sites stratifying significant environmental gradients was generated in order capture the range of oak habitat variability. Precise sample plot locations were predetermined and established at digitized stand centroids. Field sampling was based on relevé plot data collection methods and included ocular estimates of species cover. A total of 350 stands of oak vegetation were sampled over two field seasons. Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) was used as an exploratory tool to identify potential patterns in species cover data and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to delimit final plant community types. Nine vegetation classes were described from ordinations including seven forest / woodland types and two savannas Title: Classification of oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley Author: Fitzpatrick, Greg, Kertis, Jane, Alverson, Ed, Buechling, Arne A plant community classification was developed describing the comprehensive variation of oak vegetation currently occupying the Willamette Valley Ecoregion of western Oregon. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to classify field collected floristic and habitat data. Field sampling targeted minimally managed, homogenous vegetation stands with a significant oak component occupying at least 0.5 ha. Potential habitat locations were identified from local expert knowledge, data from The Nature Conservancy’s previous conservation planning efforts, and an interpretation of high resolution NAIP imagery. Potential oak habitats were digitized in a GIS and a random selection of sites stratifying significant environmental gradients was generated in order capture the range of oak habitat variability. Precise sample plot locations were predetermined and established at digitized stand centroids. Field sampling was based on relevé plot data collection methods and included ocular estimates of species cover. A total of 350 stands of oak vegetation were sampled over two field seasons. Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) was used as an exploratory tool to identify potential patterns in species cover data and Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) was used to delimit final plant community types. Nine vegetation classes were described from ordinations including seven forest / woodland types and two savannas Close

• 35. [Article] Edaphic Controls Over Succession In Former Oak Savanna, Willamette Valley, Oregon

  xii, 87 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Edaphic Controls Over Succession In Former Oak Savanna, Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Murphy, Meghan Suzanne, 1979- Year: 2008 xii, 87 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. Title: Edaphic Controls Over Succession In Former Oak Savanna, Willamette Valley, Oregon Author: Murphy, Meghan Suzanne, 1979- Year: 2008 xii, 87 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. Close

• 36. [Article] Maxfield Creek density management upland habitat restoration final decision and decision rationale

  19 pp. Tables, maps. Township 10 South, Range 5 West, Sections 19 and 29, Township 10 South, Range 6 West, Section 22. Captured July 18, 2007.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Maxfield Creek density management upland habitat restoration final decision and decision rationale Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Salem District Year: 2009, 2007 19 pp. Tables, maps. Township 10 South, Range 5 West, Sections 19 and 29, Township 10 South, Range 6 West, Section 22. Captured July 18, 2007. Title: Maxfield Creek density management upland habitat restoration final decision and decision rationale Author: United States. Bureau of Land Management. Salem District Year: 2009, 2007 19 pp. Tables, maps. Township 10 South, Range 5 West, Sections 19 and 29, Township 10 South, Range 6 West, Section 22. Captured July 18, 2007. Close

• 37. [Article] The great fires : Indian burning and catastrophic forest fire patterns of the Oregon Coast Range, 1491-1951

  The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between land management practices of Indian communities prior to contact with Europeans and the nature or character of subsequent catastrophic forest fires ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The great fires : Indian burning and catastrophic forest fire patterns of the Oregon Coast Range, 1491-1951 Author: Zybach, Bob The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between land management practices of Indian communities prior to contact with Europeans and the nature or character of subsequent catastrophic forest fires in the Oregon Coast Range. The research focus is spatial and temporal patterns of Indian burning across the landscape from 1491 until 1848, and corresponding patterns of catastrophic fire events from 1849 until 1951. Archival and anthropological research methods were used to obtain early surveys, maps, drawings, photographs, interviews, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) inventories, eyewitness accounts and other sources of evidence that document fire history. Data were tabulated, mapped, and digitized as new GIS layers for purposes of comparative analysis. An abundance of historical evidence was found to exist that is useful for reconstructing precontact vegetation patterns and human burning practices in western Oregon. The data also proved useful for documenting local and regional forest fire histories. Precontact Indians used fire to produce landscape patterns of trails, patches, fields, woodlands, forests and grasslands that varied from time to time and place to place, partly due to demographic, cultural, topographic, and climatic differences that existed throughout the Coast Range. Native plants were systematically managed by local Indian families in even-aged stands, usually dominated by a single species, throughout all river basins of the study area. Oak, filberts, camas, wapato, tarweed, yampah, strawberries, huckleberries, brackenfern, nettles, and other plants were raised in select areas by all known tribes, over long periods of time. However, current scientific and policy assumptions regarding the abundance and extent of precontact western Oregon old-growth forests may be in error. This study demonstrates a high rate of coincidence between the land management practices of precontact Indian communities, and the causes, timing, boundaries, severity, and extent of subsequent catastrophic forest fires in the same areas. Information provided by this study should be of value to researchers, wildlife managers, forest landowners, and others with an interest in the history and resources of the Oregon Coast Range. Title: The great fires : Indian burning and catastrophic forest fire patterns of the Oregon Coast Range, 1491-1951 Author: Zybach, Bob The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between land management practices of Indian communities prior to contact with Europeans and the nature or character of subsequent catastrophic forest fires in the Oregon Coast Range. The research focus is spatial and temporal patterns of Indian burning across the landscape from 1491 until 1848, and corresponding patterns of catastrophic fire events from 1849 until 1951. Archival and anthropological research methods were used to obtain early surveys, maps, drawings, photographs, interviews, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) inventories, eyewitness accounts and other sources of evidence that document fire history. Data were tabulated, mapped, and digitized as new GIS layers for purposes of comparative analysis. An abundance of historical evidence was found to exist that is useful for reconstructing precontact vegetation patterns and human burning practices in western Oregon. The data also proved useful for documenting local and regional forest fire histories. Precontact Indians used fire to produce landscape patterns of trails, patches, fields, woodlands, forests and grasslands that varied from time to time and place to place, partly due to demographic, cultural, topographic, and climatic differences that existed throughout the Coast Range. Native plants were systematically managed by local Indian families in even-aged stands, usually dominated by a single species, throughout all river basins of the study area. Oak, filberts, camas, wapato, tarweed, yampah, strawberries, huckleberries, brackenfern, nettles, and other plants were raised in select areas by all known tribes, over long periods of time. However, current scientific and policy assumptions regarding the abundance and extent of precontact western Oregon old-growth forests may be in error. This study demonstrates a high rate of coincidence between the land management practices of precontact Indian communities, and the causes, timing, boundaries, severity, and extent of subsequent catastrophic forest fires in the same areas. Information provided by this study should be of value to researchers, wildlife managers, forest landowners, and others with an interest in the history and resources of the Oregon Coast Range. Close