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• 151. [Article] Forest structure and composition changes in a tropical montane cloud forest surrounding an illegal village in Bale Mountains National Park : anthropogenic disturbance along forest resource trails and implications for conservation and management

  Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) is currently considered the most important conservation area in Ethiopia. BMNP was established over forty years ago to protect Ethiopian endemic fauna and to preserve ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Forest structure and composition changes in a tropical montane cloud forest surrounding an illegal village in Bale Mountains National Park : anthropogenic disturbance along forest resource trails and implications for conservation and management Author: Arechiga, Theresa Ramona Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) is currently considered the most important conservation area in Ethiopia. BMNP was established over forty years ago to protect Ethiopian endemic fauna and to preserve an array of habitat types including Afroalpine, Afromontane, and the second largest natural humid forest (Harenna forest) left in Ethiopia. In the 1980’s and 1990’s assertions of a potential seasonal tropical montane cloud forest were made concerning areas in the upper Harenna forest. Despite these claims no additional evidence or research has been provided to verify the presence of a tropical montane cloud forest. Since the initial claims BMNP has faced increasing human and livestock population growth throughout the park including the elevation belt believed to contain the tropical montane cloud forest. This observational study was undertaken in Rira, the largest permanent village in the 2700 m to 3200 m above sea level belt. There were two goals to this research: one, to document rainfall amounts, temperature averages, and provide evidence of forest structure and characteristics consistent with tropical montane cloud forests; second, to identify the strongest detectible gradients affecting current forest structure and composition of herbaceous, shrub, and tree communities. A stationary weather station was installed at BMNP Subheadquarters at 2800 m to collect pertinent weather data. Variable-radius plots and fixed area plots were used along forest resource trails to collect the vegetation data. Nonmetric Multi-dimensional Scaling (NMS) was used to identify important gradients affecting forest structure and composition in the forest surrounding Rira. The vegetation matrix consisted of percent cover for the herbaceous layer, basal area and count for shrubs, basal area and size classification information for the trees, which resulted in a 15 plot x 96 species matrix. Twenty-three environmental and anthropogenic variables were used in a second matrix to identify primary gradients influencing the vegetation structure and composition. Average monthly rainfall in Rira was 673 mm based on 18 months of rainfall data. The overall forest canopy height and physical characteristics are consistent with tropical montane cloud forests. These findings suggest that the upper portion of the Harenna forest should be officially classified as tropical montane cloud forest. The primary gradient affecting forest structure and composition was consistent with anthropogenic disturbance. The variables which were statistically significant covariates included herbaceous layer height, distance to village, and presence of fuel wood collection with Pearson’s r (13) = -0.86, -0.84, 0.82, p<0.05 respectively. Due to the small sample size additional studies are required to clarify and understand the anthropogenic disturbance trends identified in this research. Studies concerning weather and to verify the role the Harenna forest plays in moderating moisture outflow to surrounding lowlands areas could provide additional incentives for conservation and management strategies. Title: Forest structure and composition changes in a tropical montane cloud forest surrounding an illegal village in Bale Mountains National Park : anthropogenic disturbance along forest resource trails and implications for conservation and management Author: Arechiga, Theresa Ramona Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP) is currently considered the most important conservation area in Ethiopia. BMNP was established over forty years ago to protect Ethiopian endemic fauna and to preserve an array of habitat types including Afroalpine, Afromontane, and the second largest natural humid forest (Harenna forest) left in Ethiopia. In the 1980’s and 1990’s assertions of a potential seasonal tropical montane cloud forest were made concerning areas in the upper Harenna forest. Despite these claims no additional evidence or research has been provided to verify the presence of a tropical montane cloud forest. Since the initial claims BMNP has faced increasing human and livestock population growth throughout the park including the elevation belt believed to contain the tropical montane cloud forest. This observational study was undertaken in Rira, the largest permanent village in the 2700 m to 3200 m above sea level belt. There were two goals to this research: one, to document rainfall amounts, temperature averages, and provide evidence of forest structure and characteristics consistent with tropical montane cloud forests; second, to identify the strongest detectible gradients affecting current forest structure and composition of herbaceous, shrub, and tree communities. A stationary weather station was installed at BMNP Subheadquarters at 2800 m to collect pertinent weather data. Variable-radius plots and fixed area plots were used along forest resource trails to collect the vegetation data. Nonmetric Multi-dimensional Scaling (NMS) was used to identify important gradients affecting forest structure and composition in the forest surrounding Rira. The vegetation matrix consisted of percent cover for the herbaceous layer, basal area and count for shrubs, basal area and size classification information for the trees, which resulted in a 15 plot x 96 species matrix. Twenty-three environmental and anthropogenic variables were used in a second matrix to identify primary gradients influencing the vegetation structure and composition. Average monthly rainfall in Rira was 673 mm based on 18 months of rainfall data. The overall forest canopy height and physical characteristics are consistent with tropical montane cloud forests. These findings suggest that the upper portion of the Harenna forest should be officially classified as tropical montane cloud forest. The primary gradient affecting forest structure and composition was consistent with anthropogenic disturbance. The variables which were statistically significant covariates included herbaceous layer height, distance to village, and presence of fuel wood collection with Pearson’s r (13) = -0.86, -0.84, 0.82, p<0.05 respectively. Due to the small sample size additional studies are required to clarify and understand the anthropogenic disturbance trends identified in this research. Studies concerning weather and to verify the role the Harenna forest plays in moderating moisture outflow to surrounding lowlands areas could provide additional incentives for conservation and management strategies. Close

• 152. [Article] Description and classification of the forests of the upper Illinois River drainage of Southwestern Oregon

  The purpose of this study was to develope a plant community classification within the Siskiyou mountains, a small range within the Klamath geological province well known for its geologic and floristic ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Description and classification of the forests of the upper Illinois River drainage of Southwestern Oregon Author: Atzet, Thomas The purpose of this study was to develope a plant community classification within the Siskiyou mountains, a small range within the Klamath geological province well known for its geologic and floristic diversity. Forest land managers have expressed the need for identification of basic Land classes that will aid in the assessment of the applicability of research results, aid the assessment of the results of management practices, and aid in the prediction of management techniques needed to produce specific results. Because of the extreme diversity, such a classification must be developed locally by intensive sampling and rigorous analytical techniques. Thus cluster analysis, discriminant analysis and canonical analysis were used in combination with a classification table to classify and analyze 250 plotes taken in 100,000 acres the Upper Illinois River drainage. Seventeen communities based on the dominant climax species were subdivided from six major vegetation groups. The six vegetation groups, the Abies magnifica shastensis, the Abies concolor, the Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, the Pseudotsuga menziesii, the Lithocarpus densiflora, and the Pinus jefferyi were separated on the basis of the dominate tree in both the understory tree layer and overstory tree layer. A description of each community, the basic classification unit, is given. The descriptions include: the results of the classification techniques and their meaning, the relative environment of each community, species relationships for the more common species in each community, estimates on their relative productivity, their successional status, and keys for mapping the communities and identifying stands. The geologic and floristic history of the Klamath province is complex, but it provides a basis for understanding today's flora. The affects of the Applegate, Galice and Nevadan episodes which were later modified by the ice advances and the Xerothermic period are presented. The affects of the major Tertiary plant migrations are also presented. Title: Description and classification of the forests of the upper Illinois River drainage of Southwestern Oregon Author: Atzet, Thomas The purpose of this study was to develope a plant community classification within the Siskiyou mountains, a small range within the Klamath geological province well known for its geologic and floristic diversity. Forest land managers have expressed the need for identification of basic Land classes that will aid in the assessment of the applicability of research results, aid the assessment of the results of management practices, and aid in the prediction of management techniques needed to produce specific results. Because of the extreme diversity, such a classification must be developed locally by intensive sampling and rigorous analytical techniques. Thus cluster analysis, discriminant analysis and canonical analysis were used in combination with a classification table to classify and analyze 250 plotes taken in 100,000 acres the Upper Illinois River drainage. Seventeen communities based on the dominant climax species were subdivided from six major vegetation groups. The six vegetation groups, the Abies magnifica shastensis, the Abies concolor, the Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, the Pseudotsuga menziesii, the Lithocarpus densiflora, and the Pinus jefferyi were separated on the basis of the dominate tree in both the understory tree layer and overstory tree layer. A description of each community, the basic classification unit, is given. The descriptions include: the results of the classification techniques and their meaning, the relative environment of each community, species relationships for the more common species in each community, estimates on their relative productivity, their successional status, and keys for mapping the communities and identifying stands. The geologic and floristic history of the Klamath province is complex, but it provides a basis for understanding today's flora. The affects of the Applegate, Galice and Nevadan episodes which were later modified by the ice advances and the Xerothermic period are presented. The affects of the major Tertiary plant migrations are also presented. Close

• 153. [Article] Culture and toxicity testing of West Coast marine organisms : proceedings of a workshop held in Sacramento, California, February 27-28, 1990

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Culture and toxicity testing of West Coast marine organisms : proceedings of a workshop held in Sacramento, California, February 27-28, 1990 Author: Chapman, Gary A. Title: Culture and toxicity testing of West Coast marine organisms : proceedings of a workshop held in Sacramento, California, February 27-28, 1990 Author: Chapman, Gary A. Close

• 154. [Article] Estuarine mitigation evaluation project : final report

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Estuarine mitigation evaluation project : final report Author: Fishman Environmental Services Title: Estuarine mitigation evaluation project : final report Author: Fishman Environmental Services Close

• 155. [Article] Biennial report--The Oregon Plan for salmon and watersheds 2003-2005 synopsis

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Biennial report--The Oregon Plan for salmon and watersheds 2003-2005 synopsis Author: Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Title: Biennial report--The Oregon Plan for salmon and watersheds 2003-2005 synopsis Author: Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Close

• 156. [Article] Documentation of land use plan conformance and NEPA adequacy (DNA)

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Documentation of land use plan conformance and NEPA adequacy (DNA) Author: Klamath Falls Resource Area, United States. Bureau of Land Management Title: Documentation of land use plan conformance and NEPA adequacy (DNA) Author: Klamath Falls Resource Area, United States. Bureau of Land Management Close

• 157. [Article] Conservation strategy for landbirds in the Columbia Plateau of Eastern Oregon and Washington

  Version 1.0

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Conservation strategy for landbirds in the Columbia Plateau of Eastern Oregon and Washington Author: Altman, Bob, Holmes, Aaron, Oregon-Washington Partners in flight Version 1.0 Title: Conservation strategy for landbirds in the Columbia Plateau of Eastern Oregon and Washington Author: Altman, Bob, Holmes, Aaron, Oregon-Washington Partners in flight Version 1.0 Close

• 158. [Article] Documentation of land use plan conformance and NEPA adequacy (DNA)

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Documentation of land use plan conformance and NEPA adequacy (DNA) Author: Klamath Falls Resource Area, United States. Bureau of Land Management Title: Documentation of land use plan conformance and NEPA adequacy (DNA) Author: Klamath Falls Resource Area, United States. Bureau of Land Management Close

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

  This archived document is maintained by the Oregon State Library as part of the Oregon Documents Depository Program. It is for informational purposes and may not be suitable for legal purposes.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Classification of oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley Year: 2008 This archived document is maintained by the Oregon State Library as part of the Oregon Documents Depository Program. It is for informational purposes and may not be suitable for legal purposes. Title: Classification of oak vegetation in the Willamette Valley Year: 2008 This archived document is maintained by the Oregon State Library as part of the Oregon Documents Depository Program. It is for informational purposes and may not be suitable for legal purposes. Close

• 160. [Article] Fortune Branch Creek culvert

  Fortune Branch Creek culvert: This Con-Span concrete culvert was installed in 2003 on this tributary to Cow Creek near Glendale.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fortune Branch Creek culvert Author: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers Fortune Branch Creek culvert: This Con-Span concrete culvert was installed in 2003 on this tributary to Cow Creek near Glendale. Title: Fortune Branch Creek culvert Author: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers Fortune Branch Creek culvert: This Con-Span concrete culvert was installed in 2003 on this tributary to Cow Creek near Glendale. Close

• 161. [Article] Photo of Big Creek structure placement

  This log placement project took place on Argue Creek, a tributary to Big Creek in the Smith River Basin. ODFW habitat biologists designed and inspected this project in 2004.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Photo of Big Creek structure placement Author: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers This log placement project took place on Argue Creek, a tributary to Big Creek in the Smith River Basin. ODFW habitat biologists designed and inspected this project in 2004. Title: Photo of Big Creek structure placement Author: Partnership for the Umpqua Rivers This log placement project took place on Argue Creek, a tributary to Big Creek in the Smith River Basin. ODFW habitat biologists designed and inspected this project in 2004. Close

• 162. [Article] Marine wetland boundary definition : evaluation of methodology

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Marine wetland boundary definition : evaluation of methodology Author: Sanville, William, Taylor, Alan, Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory, Eilers, H. Peter Title: Marine wetland boundary definition : evaluation of methodology Author: Sanville, William, Taylor, Alan, Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory, Eilers, H. Peter Close

• 163. [Article] North Oregon Coast Geographic Response Plan (GRP)

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: North Oregon Coast Geographic Response Plan (GRP) Title: North Oregon Coast Geographic Response Plan (GRP) Close

• 164. [Article] Two incidental observations of waterbirds at Valsetz Lake, Polk County

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Two incidental observations of waterbirds at Valsetz Lake, Polk County Author: Bayer, Range D., 1947-, Llewellyn, Bob Title: Two incidental observations of waterbirds at Valsetz Lake, Polk County Author: Bayer, Range D., 1947-, Llewellyn, Bob Close

• 165. [Article] Bird records for the Siletz/Logsden area of Lincoln County that are not given elsewhere

  This article includes 609 observations, 531 of which were by Llewellyn. This article is an amalgamation of incidental records for various specific and general areas.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Bird records for the Siletz/Logsden area of Lincoln County that are not given elsewhere Author: Bayer, Range D., 1947-, Llewellyn, Bob This article includes 609 observations, 531 of which were by Llewellyn. This article is an amalgamation of incidental records for various specific and general areas. Title: Bird records for the Siletz/Logsden area of Lincoln County that are not given elsewhere Author: Bayer, Range D., 1947-, Llewellyn, Bob This article includes 609 observations, 531 of which were by Llewellyn. This article is an amalgamation of incidental records for various specific and general areas. Close

• 166. [Article] 00 OR Wetlands Ref Site Data Intro Page(1).pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 00 OR Wetlands Ref Site Data Intro Page(1).pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Title: 00 OR Wetlands Ref Site Data Intro Page(1).pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Close

• 167. [Article] 09 Benthic Invertebrates at CICEET Study Sites.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 09 Benthic Invertebrates at CICEET Study Sites.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Title: 09 Benthic Invertebrates at CICEET Study Sites.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Close

• 168. [Article] 10 Carbon Content in Oregon Tidal Wetland Soils.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 10 Carbon Content in Oregon Tidal Wetland Soils.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Cornu, Craig, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Huang, Lijuan Title: 10 Carbon Content in Oregon Tidal Wetland Soils.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Cornu, Craig, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Huang, Lijuan Close

• 169. [Article] 01 Brophy_Cornu_CICEET_FINAL_complete_30-Aug-2011.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 01 Brophy_Cornu_CICEET_FINAL_complete_30-Aug-2011.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Doumbia, Julie, Tully, Rebecca, Cornu, Craig, Huang, Lijuan Title: 01 Brophy_Cornu_CICEET_FINAL_complete_30-Aug-2011.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Doumbia, Julie, Tully, Rebecca, Cornu, Craig, Huang, Lijuan Close

• 170. [Article] 02 Brophy-Cornu_UsersGuide_TSM_FINAL_30-Aug-2011.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 02 Brophy-Cornu_UsersGuide_TSM_FINAL_30-Aug-2011.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Title: 02 Brophy-Cornu_UsersGuide_TSM_FINAL_30-Aug-2011.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Close

• 171. [Article] 03 Refence Site Location Maps.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 03 Refence Site Location Maps.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Title: 03 Refence Site Location Maps.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Close

• 172. [Article] 04 Reference Marsh Characteristics.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 04 Reference Marsh Characteristics.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Title: 04 Reference Marsh Characteristics.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Close

• 173. [Article] 05 Reference Conditons Database- All Parameters Summarized.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 05 Reference Conditons Database- All Parameters Summarized.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Doumbia, Julie, Tully, Rebecca, Cornu, Craig, Huang, Lijuan Title: 05 Reference Conditons Database- All Parameters Summarized.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Doumbia, Julie, Tully, Rebecca, Cornu, Craig, Huang, Lijuan Close

• 174. [Article] 07 Reference Conditon Data- Groundwater Level and Channel Water Salinity.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 07 Reference Conditon Data- Groundwater Level and Channel Water Salinity.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Title: 07 Reference Conditon Data- Groundwater Level and Channel Water Salinity.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Close

• 175. [Article] 08 Reference Conditon Data- Site Tidal Datums.pdf

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: 08 Reference Conditon Data- Site Tidal Datums.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Title: 08 Reference Conditon Data- Site Tidal Datums.pdf Author: Christy, John A., Adamus, Paul R., Brophy, Laura, Gray, Ayesha, MacClellan, Megan, Huang, Lijuan, Tully, Rebecca, Doumbia, Julie, Cornu, Craig Close

• 176. [Article] Protecting and restoring Pacific Northwest estuaries: the task before us : meeting summary

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Protecting and restoring Pacific Northwest estuaries: the task before us : meeting summary Author: Pacific Northwest Coastal Ecosystems Regional Study Title: Protecting and restoring Pacific Northwest estuaries: the task before us : meeting summary Author: Pacific Northwest Coastal Ecosystems Regional Study Close

• 177. [Article] Klamath Basin pilot project : coldwater refugia study and videography

  The purpose of this pilot program was to determine whether or not forward looking infrared (FLIR) videography could be used to develop thermal maps of the mainstem Klamath River to access habitat limitations ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath Basin pilot project : coldwater refugia study and videography Author: Oregon State University. Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Li, Hiram W., Oregon State University. Dept. of Forest Science, McIntosh, Bruce A. The purpose of this pilot program was to determine whether or not forward looking infrared (FLIR) videography could be used to develop thermal maps of the mainstem Klamath River to access habitat limitations due to high stream temperatures for fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Title: Klamath Basin pilot project : coldwater refugia study and videography Author: Oregon State University. Dept. of Fisheries and Wildlife, Li, Hiram W., Oregon State University. Dept. of Forest Science, McIntosh, Bruce A. The purpose of this pilot program was to determine whether or not forward looking infrared (FLIR) videography could be used to develop thermal maps of the mainstem Klamath River to access habitat limitations due to high stream temperatures for fall chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Close

• 178. [Article] Field guide to riparian plant communities in northwestern Oregon

  This field guide combines classifications of common streamside plant communities and native freshwater wetland communities in Northwest Oregon. It is a condensed version of two separate works which are ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Field guide to riparian plant communities in northwestern Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Christy, John A., Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, McCain, Cindy, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region This field guide combines classifications of common streamside plant communities and native freshwater wetland communities in Northwest Oregon. It is a condensed version of two separate works which are both available on the CD that accompanies this book. The information is also available for reference or to download as a zipfile from the Interagency Clearinghouse of Ecological Information, Pacific NW Region website: http://www.reo.gov/ecoshare/Publications/Documents/FieldGuides/NWOriparian/ Title: Field guide to riparian plant communities in northwestern Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Christy, John A., Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, McCain, Cindy, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region This field guide combines classifications of common streamside plant communities and native freshwater wetland communities in Northwest Oregon. It is a condensed version of two separate works which are both available on the CD that accompanies this book. The information is also available for reference or to download as a zipfile from the Interagency Clearinghouse of Ecological Information, Pacific NW Region website: http://www.reo.gov/ecoshare/Publications/Documents/FieldGuides/NWOriparian/ Close

• 179. [Article] Wetland site prioritization: Lower Elk and Sixes Rivers, Curry County, OR

  Prepared for: Oregon Trout 117 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97204

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wetland site prioritization: Lower Elk and Sixes Rivers, Curry County, OR Author: Brophy, Laura Prepared for: Oregon Trout 117 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97204 Title: Wetland site prioritization: Lower Elk and Sixes Rivers, Curry County, OR Author: Brophy, Laura Prepared for: Oregon Trout 117 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97204 Close

• 180. [Article] Canadian vegetation response to climate and projected climatic change

  The equilibrium response of Canadian vegetation to climate and climatic change was modeled at three organizational levels of the vegetation mosaic. The climatic parameters used as model drivers (i.e., ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Canadian vegetation response to climate and projected climatic change Author: Lenihan, James M. The equilibrium response of Canadian vegetation to climate and climatic change was modeled at three organizational levels of the vegetation mosaic. The climatic parameters used as model drivers (i.e., snowpack, degree-days, minimum temperature, soil moisture deficit, and actual evapotranspiration) are components of climate that physiologically constrain the distribution of dominant plant life-forms and species in Canada. The rule-based Canadian Climate-Vegetation Model (CCVM) predicts the response of vegetation formations to climate. The rules define climatic thresholds across which one formation gives way to another. The CCVM simulation for current climatic conditions is more accurate and detailed than those of other equilibrium models. A series of ecological response surfaces predict the probability of dominance for eight boreal tree species in Canada with a high degree of success. Variation in the probability of dominance is related to the species' individualistic response to climatic constraints within different airmass regions. A boreal forest-type classification based on the probabilities of dominance shows a high degree of geographic correspondence with observed forest-types. Under two doubled-CO2 climatic scenarios, CCVM predicts a reduction in arctic tundra and subarctic woodland, a northward shift in the distribution of boreal evergreen forest and an expansion of temperate forest, boreal summergreen woodland, and two prairie formations. The response surfaces predict significant changes in species dominance under both climatic scenarios. Species exhibit an individualistic response to climatic change and respond differently under the different scenarios. All but one of the boreal forest-types derived from future probabilities of dominance are analogous to extant forest-types, but fewer types are distinguished. Geographic correspondence in the boreal forest regions simulated by the rule-based and response surface models under both the current and projected climates provides a link between the results of the two modelling approaches. There are several constraints on the realism of the vegetation scenarios in this study, but they are arguably the most reliable and comprehensive predictions for Canada to date given the direct relationship between the climatic parameters and the distribution of vegetation and the simulation of vegetation at three different organizational levels. Title: Canadian vegetation response to climate and projected climatic change Author: Lenihan, James M. The equilibrium response of Canadian vegetation to climate and climatic change was modeled at three organizational levels of the vegetation mosaic. The climatic parameters used as model drivers (i.e., snowpack, degree-days, minimum temperature, soil moisture deficit, and actual evapotranspiration) are components of climate that physiologically constrain the distribution of dominant plant life-forms and species in Canada. The rule-based Canadian Climate-Vegetation Model (CCVM) predicts the response of vegetation formations to climate. The rules define climatic thresholds across which one formation gives way to another. The CCVM simulation for current climatic conditions is more accurate and detailed than those of other equilibrium models. A series of ecological response surfaces predict the probability of dominance for eight boreal tree species in Canada with a high degree of success. Variation in the probability of dominance is related to the species' individualistic response to climatic constraints within different airmass regions. A boreal forest-type classification based on the probabilities of dominance shows a high degree of geographic correspondence with observed forest-types. Under two doubled-CO2 climatic scenarios, CCVM predicts a reduction in arctic tundra and subarctic woodland, a northward shift in the distribution of boreal evergreen forest and an expansion of temperate forest, boreal summergreen woodland, and two prairie formations. The response surfaces predict significant changes in species dominance under both climatic scenarios. Species exhibit an individualistic response to climatic change and respond differently under the different scenarios. All but one of the boreal forest-types derived from future probabilities of dominance are analogous to extant forest-types, but fewer types are distinguished. Geographic correspondence in the boreal forest regions simulated by the rule-based and response surface models under both the current and projected climates provides a link between the results of the two modelling approaches. There are several constraints on the realism of the vegetation scenarios in this study, but they are arguably the most reliable and comprehensive predictions for Canada to date given the direct relationship between the climatic parameters and the distribution of vegetation and the simulation of vegetation at three different organizational levels. Close

• 181. [Article] Tree Planters' Notes : Vol. 47, No. 1

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Tree Planters' Notes : Vol. 47, No. 1 Author: Tinus, Richard W., South, David B., Snow, G. A., Dierauf, Thomas A., Garner, James W., Schmidtling, R. C., McTague, John Paul, Ashby, W. Clark, Sluder, Earl L., Lott, L. H., Nisley, Rebecca G. Title: Tree Planters' Notes : Vol. 47, No. 1 Author: Tinus, Richard W., South, David B., Snow, G. A., Dierauf, Thomas A., Garner, James W., Schmidtling, R. C., McTague, John Paul, Ashby, W. Clark, Sluder, Earl L., Lott, L. H., Nisley, Rebecca G. Close

• 182. [Article] Bird-vegetation relationships across ten years after thinning in young thinned and unthinned Douglas-fir forests

  Bird-vegetation associations are a base for bird conservation and management, as well as for predictions of the effects of resource management and climate change on wildlife populations. A recent shift ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Bird-vegetation relationships across ten years after thinning in young thinned and unthinned Douglas-fir forests Author: Yegorova, Svetlana Bird-vegetation associations are a base for bird conservation and management, as well as for predictions of the effects of resource management and climate change on wildlife populations. A recent shift in forest management priorities from timber production to native species' habitat conservation on federal lands has emphasized the need to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of vegetation management on wildlife. The assumption of strong bird-vegetation relationships is rarely tested for forest birds, especially at large temporal extents, which are more likely to reveal instabilities in bird-vegetation relationships than short-term studies. This study aimed to quantify bird-vegetation relationships and investigate their strength in young thinned and unthinned Douglas-fir forest stands over ten to years post thinning. Additionally, this study investigated whether disturbance associated with forest thinning decoupled bird-vegetation relationships in the thinned and unthinned stands. I used abundance or occurrence data for eight bird species collected at 58 point count surveys, conducted during six breeding seasons over ten years following forest thinning. I obtained detailed local-scale vegetation characteristics associated with bird sampling points and modeled bird occurrence or abundance as a function of vegetation characteristics. Vegetation characteristics explaining individual species occurrence or abundance varied among species and among years for any given species. Six out of eight species showed responses to examined vegetation characteristics. For three out of six species, the effects of vegetation characteristics on bird occurrence or abundance remained consistently positive or negative over time. For the other three species the absolute effect of vegetation decreased over time to that of not statistically different from zero. The estimates of vegetation effects on bird response varied in size among years, though they were not statistically different among years. Magnitude of vegetation effect on bird occurrence or abundance did not increase with time, nor was it related to species prevalence or abundance. I found evidence of a response threshold for one species, Swainson's thrush. I suggest that changing abundance of resources, associated with thinning disturbance, demographic stochasticity associated with small population sizes, as well as large-scale demographic processes and possibly life history traits of examined species, mediate the strength of local-level bird-vegetation associations. Variability of vegetation effects on bird occurrence or abundance over time suggests a greater uncertainty of results of vegetation-related wildlife management efforts than has previously been suggested by short-term studies. Therefore, incorporation of the uncertainty of bird-vegetation relationships into predictive models and continued long-term monitoring of species response to management may be crucial for future successful and effective management decisions. Title: Bird-vegetation relationships across ten years after thinning in young thinned and unthinned Douglas-fir forests Author: Yegorova, Svetlana Bird-vegetation associations are a base for bird conservation and management, as well as for predictions of the effects of resource management and climate change on wildlife populations. A recent shift in forest management priorities from timber production to native species' habitat conservation on federal lands has emphasized the need to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of vegetation management on wildlife. The assumption of strong bird-vegetation relationships is rarely tested for forest birds, especially at large temporal extents, which are more likely to reveal instabilities in bird-vegetation relationships than short-term studies. This study aimed to quantify bird-vegetation relationships and investigate their strength in young thinned and unthinned Douglas-fir forest stands over ten to years post thinning. Additionally, this study investigated whether disturbance associated with forest thinning decoupled bird-vegetation relationships in the thinned and unthinned stands. I used abundance or occurrence data for eight bird species collected at 58 point count surveys, conducted during six breeding seasons over ten years following forest thinning. I obtained detailed local-scale vegetation characteristics associated with bird sampling points and modeled bird occurrence or abundance as a function of vegetation characteristics. Vegetation characteristics explaining individual species occurrence or abundance varied among species and among years for any given species. Six out of eight species showed responses to examined vegetation characteristics. For three out of six species, the effects of vegetation characteristics on bird occurrence or abundance remained consistently positive or negative over time. For the other three species the absolute effect of vegetation decreased over time to that of not statistically different from zero. The estimates of vegetation effects on bird response varied in size among years, though they were not statistically different among years. Magnitude of vegetation effect on bird occurrence or abundance did not increase with time, nor was it related to species prevalence or abundance. I found evidence of a response threshold for one species, Swainson's thrush. I suggest that changing abundance of resources, associated with thinning disturbance, demographic stochasticity associated with small population sizes, as well as large-scale demographic processes and possibly life history traits of examined species, mediate the strength of local-level bird-vegetation associations. Variability of vegetation effects on bird occurrence or abundance over time suggests a greater uncertainty of results of vegetation-related wildlife management efforts than has previously been suggested by short-term studies. Therefore, incorporation of the uncertainty of bird-vegetation relationships into predictive models and continued long-term monitoring of species response to management may be crucial for future successful and effective management decisions. Close

• 183. [Article] Landsat-based monitoring of annual wetland change in the main-stem Willamette River floodplain of Oregon, USA from 1972 to 2012

  Despite holding substantial ecological value, wetlands in the United States have experienced a significant decline in both area and function over the past century with the majority of freshwater wetland ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Landsat-based monitoring of annual wetland change in the main-stem Willamette River floodplain of Oregon, USA from 1972 to 2012 Author: Fickas, Kate, Colleen Despite holding substantial ecological value, wetlands in the United States have experienced a significant decline in both area and function over the past century with the majority of freshwater wetland loss attributed to agricultural conversion. Agriculture is the second largest industry in the State of Oregon and the State places substantial emphasis in its land use planning goals on the preservation of agricultural land. Oregon’s Willamette Valley accounts for the majority of agricultural output with 53% of the valley bottom classified as agricultural land. Additionally, the valley houses 70% of the state's population. The valley was once comprised of extensive wet prairies and abundant riparian forests along the Willamette River floodplain, but native ecosystems have been reduced to a fraction of their original distribution since Euro-American settlement in the mid 1800s. The few wetlands that remain are at high risk to loss and degradation from agricultural activity. Following national wetland conservation policies, Oregon has since attempted to monitor and regulate losses due to disturbance and modification of the State's remaining wetlands through a "no-net-loss" policy aiming to decrease wetland losses and replace disturbed wetlands through mitigation. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was designed to produce detailed maps and status reports of the characteristics and extent of the nation's wetlands and help determine the efficacy of no-net-loss policy implementation on the nation’s wetlands. In some cases, the NWI has been found to have low categorical and spatial accuracy and coarse temporal resolution, with some maps over two decades old. Although Landsat satellite imagery was originally found to lack the needed spatial resolution for classification detail and wetness designation that aerial photography provided, Landsat has 40 years of freely available, high quality annual imagery and should be explored for use in annual wetland change detection. Our objectives were to: (1) Quantify and characterize spatial and ecological trends in annual wetland change through gain, loss, and conversion in the Willamette Valley; (2) Evaluate the effect of the no-net-loss federal wetland conservation policy change enacted in 1990 on trends in net wetland area; and (3) Describe a new methodology that reaches back through the over 40-year Landsat archive to map fine scale wetland and related land-use changes from 1972-2012. We used annual Landsat MSS and TM/ETM+ images from 1972 to 2012 to manually interpret loss, gain, and type conversion of wetland area in the two-year inundation floodplain of the Main-Stem Willamette River using TimeSync, Google Earth, and ArcMap. By creating Tasseled Cap Brightness, Greenness, and Wetness indices for MSS data that visually match TM/ETM+ Tasseled Cap images, we were able to construct a complete and consistent annual time series and utilize the entire Landsat archive. Additionally, with an extended time series, we were able to compare trends of annual net change in wetland area before and after the no-net-loss policy established under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in 1990. We found that wetlands experienced annual loss, gain, and type conversion across the entire study period. Vegetated wetlands (emergent and riparian wetlands) experienced a 314 ha net loss of wetland area across the 40 year study period whereas non-vegetated wetlands (lacustrine and riverine wetlands) experienced a 393 ha net gain. All wetland types combined saw a 79 ha net increase in wetland area across the full study period. The majority of both gain and loss in the study area was attributed to and from agricultural conversion followed by urban land use. Time series analysis of the rate of change of net wetland area was calculated using the Theil-Sen (TS) Slope estimate analysis. For annual change of wetland area before and after 1990 no-net-loss policy implementations, the rate of annual wetland area lost slowed for riparian wetlands and reversed into trends of annual net gain in area of emergent wetlands. The rate of annual net area gained for lacustrine wetlands was slowed post-policy. Accuracy assessment of land use change polygons in the field was only able to capture 12% of our interpretations due to access restrictions associated with private land. In spite of a low sample size (n=45), overall accuracy of land use classification through wetland change polygons was at 80%. This accuracy increased to 91.1% when land use classes were aggregated to either wetland or upland categories, indicating that our methodology was more accurate at distinguishing between general upland and wetland than finer categorical classes. Title: Landsat-based monitoring of annual wetland change in the main-stem Willamette River floodplain of Oregon, USA from 1972 to 2012 Author: Fickas, Kate, Colleen Despite holding substantial ecological value, wetlands in the United States have experienced a significant decline in both area and function over the past century with the majority of freshwater wetland loss attributed to agricultural conversion. Agriculture is the second largest industry in the State of Oregon and the State places substantial emphasis in its land use planning goals on the preservation of agricultural land. Oregon’s Willamette Valley accounts for the majority of agricultural output with 53% of the valley bottom classified as agricultural land. Additionally, the valley houses 70% of the state's population. The valley was once comprised of extensive wet prairies and abundant riparian forests along the Willamette River floodplain, but native ecosystems have been reduced to a fraction of their original distribution since Euro-American settlement in the mid 1800s. The few wetlands that remain are at high risk to loss and degradation from agricultural activity. Following national wetland conservation policies, Oregon has since attempted to monitor and regulate losses due to disturbance and modification of the State's remaining wetlands through a "no-net-loss" policy aiming to decrease wetland losses and replace disturbed wetlands through mitigation. The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) was designed to produce detailed maps and status reports of the characteristics and extent of the nation's wetlands and help determine the efficacy of no-net-loss policy implementation on the nation’s wetlands. In some cases, the NWI has been found to have low categorical and spatial accuracy and coarse temporal resolution, with some maps over two decades old. Although Landsat satellite imagery was originally found to lack the needed spatial resolution for classification detail and wetness designation that aerial photography provided, Landsat has 40 years of freely available, high quality annual imagery and should be explored for use in annual wetland change detection. Our objectives were to: (1) Quantify and characterize spatial and ecological trends in annual wetland change through gain, loss, and conversion in the Willamette Valley; (2) Evaluate the effect of the no-net-loss federal wetland conservation policy change enacted in 1990 on trends in net wetland area; and (3) Describe a new methodology that reaches back through the over 40-year Landsat archive to map fine scale wetland and related land-use changes from 1972-2012. We used annual Landsat MSS and TM/ETM+ images from 1972 to 2012 to manually interpret loss, gain, and type conversion of wetland area in the two-year inundation floodplain of the Main-Stem Willamette River using TimeSync, Google Earth, and ArcMap. By creating Tasseled Cap Brightness, Greenness, and Wetness indices for MSS data that visually match TM/ETM+ Tasseled Cap images, we were able to construct a complete and consistent annual time series and utilize the entire Landsat archive. Additionally, with an extended time series, we were able to compare trends of annual net change in wetland area before and after the no-net-loss policy established under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act in 1990. We found that wetlands experienced annual loss, gain, and type conversion across the entire study period. Vegetated wetlands (emergent and riparian wetlands) experienced a 314 ha net loss of wetland area across the 40 year study period whereas non-vegetated wetlands (lacustrine and riverine wetlands) experienced a 393 ha net gain. All wetland types combined saw a 79 ha net increase in wetland area across the full study period. The majority of both gain and loss in the study area was attributed to and from agricultural conversion followed by urban land use. Time series analysis of the rate of change of net wetland area was calculated using the Theil-Sen (TS) Slope estimate analysis. For annual change of wetland area before and after 1990 no-net-loss policy implementations, the rate of annual wetland area lost slowed for riparian wetlands and reversed into trends of annual net gain in area of emergent wetlands. The rate of annual net area gained for lacustrine wetlands was slowed post-policy. Accuracy assessment of land use change polygons in the field was only able to capture 12% of our interpretations due to access restrictions associated with private land. In spite of a low sample size (n=45), overall accuracy of land use classification through wetland change polygons was at 80%. This accuracy increased to 91.1% when land use classes were aggregated to either wetland or upland categories, indicating that our methodology was more accurate at distinguishing between general upland and wetland than finer categorical classes. Close

• 184. [Article] An Analysis of Vegetation Recovery following Dam Removal at Hemlock Recreation Site, Washington

  Dam removals are becoming increasingly common as dams reach their life expectancy and face costly upgrades associated with relicensing. Though removal is often viewed as a success in terms of ecological ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Analysis of Vegetation Recovery following Dam Removal at Hemlock Recreation Site, Washington Author: Ramsey, Greer Stewart Year: 2014 Dam removals are becoming increasingly common as dams reach their life expectancy and face costly upgrades associated with relicensing. Though removal is often viewed as a success in terms of ecological restoration, it also represents a major disturbance to an area. Previous research has shown that native species do not survive as well at these disturbed sites, and invasive species often dominate. This study examines the vegetation response in the drained reservoir area after the removal of Hemlock Dam on Trout Creek, a tributary to the Wind River in southern Washington. Transects were established and quadrats were sampled to determine the plant classifications and cover of vegetation and to examine possible correlations between environmental variables and the spatial distribution of plant classification groups. Sampling took place in the third and fourth years following dam removal, and the data was analyzed to determine significant changes and relationships. The results of this study showed that the site was dominated by a volunteer native forb Lotus purshianus (Spanish clover) and a planted native tree Alnus rubra (red alder). Most of the other species found were native volunteer forbs and grasses characteristic of early succession in this region. Both invasive species and planted species, with the exception of Alnus rubra, had low canopy covers. There was a significant increase in native plant canopy cover, as well as total canopy cover, from 2012 to 2013. There were also significant relationships between plant classification groups and environmental variables, including soil infiltration, elevation, and distance from stream. This study will help inform resource managers about the kinds of plants that will volunteer after dam removals and the possible success of re-vegetation projects. Title: An Analysis of Vegetation Recovery following Dam Removal at Hemlock Recreation Site, Washington Author: Ramsey, Greer Stewart Year: 2014 Dam removals are becoming increasingly common as dams reach their life expectancy and face costly upgrades associated with relicensing. Though removal is often viewed as a success in terms of ecological restoration, it also represents a major disturbance to an area. Previous research has shown that native species do not survive as well at these disturbed sites, and invasive species often dominate. This study examines the vegetation response in the drained reservoir area after the removal of Hemlock Dam on Trout Creek, a tributary to the Wind River in southern Washington. Transects were established and quadrats were sampled to determine the plant classifications and cover of vegetation and to examine possible correlations between environmental variables and the spatial distribution of plant classification groups. Sampling took place in the third and fourth years following dam removal, and the data was analyzed to determine significant changes and relationships. The results of this study showed that the site was dominated by a volunteer native forb Lotus purshianus (Spanish clover) and a planted native tree Alnus rubra (red alder). Most of the other species found were native volunteer forbs and grasses characteristic of early succession in this region. Both invasive species and planted species, with the exception of Alnus rubra, had low canopy covers. There was a significant increase in native plant canopy cover, as well as total canopy cover, from 2012 to 2013. There were also significant relationships between plant classification groups and environmental variables, including soil infiltration, elevation, and distance from stream. This study will help inform resource managers about the kinds of plants that will volunteer after dam removals and the possible success of re-vegetation projects. Close

• 185. [Article] Management experiments for high-elevation agroforestry systems jointly producing matsutake mushrooms and high-quality timber in the Cascade Range of southern Oregon

  Experimental prescriptions compare agroforestry systems designed to increase financial returns from high-elevation stands in the southern Oregon Cascade Range. The prescriptions emphasize alternative approaches ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Management experiments for high-elevation agroforestry systems jointly producing matsutake mushrooms and high-quality timber in the Cascade Range of southern Oregon Author: Weigand, James F. Experimental prescriptions compare agroforestry systems designed to increase financial returns from high-elevation stands in the southern Oregon Cascade Range. The prescriptions emphasize alternative approaches for joint production of North American matsutake mushrooms (also known as North American pine mushrooms; Tricholoma magnivelare) and high-quality timber. Other agroforestry byproducts from the system are ornamental conifer boughs, pine cones, and Christmas trees. Management practices concentrate on increasing the physiological efficiency and vigor of trees, and on altering leaf area index, tree species composition, and stand age-class structure to increase matsutake reproduction. Programs of thinning and branch pruning test regulating flows of energy and moisture to mushroom mycelia in the upper soil. Experimental prescriptions incorporate monitoring to evaluate ecosystem responses to management and to accelerate adaptive learning. Title: Management experiments for high-elevation agroforestry systems jointly producing matsutake mushrooms and high-quality timber in the Cascade Range of southern Oregon Author: Weigand, James F. Experimental prescriptions compare agroforestry systems designed to increase financial returns from high-elevation stands in the southern Oregon Cascade Range. The prescriptions emphasize alternative approaches for joint production of North American matsutake mushrooms (also known as North American pine mushrooms; Tricholoma magnivelare) and high-quality timber. Other agroforestry byproducts from the system are ornamental conifer boughs, pine cones, and Christmas trees. Management practices concentrate on increasing the physiological efficiency and vigor of trees, and on altering leaf area index, tree species composition, and stand age-class structure to increase matsutake reproduction. Programs of thinning and branch pruning test regulating flows of energy and moisture to mushroom mycelia in the upper soil. Experimental prescriptions incorporate monitoring to evaluate ecosystem responses to management and to accelerate adaptive learning. Close

• 186. [Article] Vegetation characteristics expressed through transformed MODIS data : a MODIS tasseled cap

  The MODIS NBAR (M0D43B4) data space is explored in terms of biophysical variables with the objective of formulating a MODIS transformation relevant to global vegetation studies. The basic ideas of transform ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Vegetation characteristics expressed through transformed MODIS data : a MODIS tasseled cap Author: Lobser, Sarah E. The MODIS NBAR (M0D43B4) data space is explored in terms of biophysical variables with the objective of formulating a MODIS transformation relevant to global vegetation studies. The basic ideas of transform formulation were borrowed from the development of the TM Tasseled Cap transformation, but with differences in sampling strategy and rotation procedures. A random sample was taken from a year's worth of the full global extent of NBAR tiles to yield a sample representative of the full range of spectral variation in the Earth. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used to investigate the temporal dynamics of the sample before and after the exclusion of snow and ice from the dataset. This investigation uncovered the potential for the formulation of a MODIS Tasseled Cap transformation, and multidimensional scaling methods were used to rotate the sample data space to match the orientation of the TM Tasseled Cap. The sample in the resulting MODIS transformation space was observed to match the orientation and general biophysical characteristics of the TM Tasseled Cap. The utility of the transformation for global vegetation studies was explored by observing the characteristics of the MODIS Land Cover product (MOD l2Ql) and the MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields product (M0D44) in the transformed sample space. Observed temporal trends in vegetation phenology were observed at specific sites with known vegetation dynamics. Though the MODIS Tasseled Cap was formulated using NBAR data, the coefficients can be applied to the raw MODIS Surface Reflectance product (MODO9) as well, as determined by the one to one relationship seen in both the raw and transformed NBAR and Surface Reflectance data. Title: Vegetation characteristics expressed through transformed MODIS data : a MODIS tasseled cap Author: Lobser, Sarah E. The MODIS NBAR (M0D43B4) data space is explored in terms of biophysical variables with the objective of formulating a MODIS transformation relevant to global vegetation studies. The basic ideas of transform formulation were borrowed from the development of the TM Tasseled Cap transformation, but with differences in sampling strategy and rotation procedures. A random sample was taken from a year's worth of the full global extent of NBAR tiles to yield a sample representative of the full range of spectral variation in the Earth. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used to investigate the temporal dynamics of the sample before and after the exclusion of snow and ice from the dataset. This investigation uncovered the potential for the formulation of a MODIS Tasseled Cap transformation, and multidimensional scaling methods were used to rotate the sample data space to match the orientation of the TM Tasseled Cap. The sample in the resulting MODIS transformation space was observed to match the orientation and general biophysical characteristics of the TM Tasseled Cap. The utility of the transformation for global vegetation studies was explored by observing the characteristics of the MODIS Land Cover product (MOD l2Ql) and the MODIS Vegetation Continuous Fields product (M0D44) in the transformed sample space. Observed temporal trends in vegetation phenology were observed at specific sites with known vegetation dynamics. Though the MODIS Tasseled Cap was formulated using NBAR data, the coefficients can be applied to the raw MODIS Surface Reflectance product (MODO9) as well, as determined by the one to one relationship seen in both the raw and transformed NBAR and Surface Reflectance data. Close

• 187. [Article] Limiting factors assessment and restoration plan Rock Creek : tributary to Devil's Lake, Lincoln County, Oregon

  This document provides watershed restoration actions proposed to enhance the Coho Salmon population within the Rock Creek / Devils Lake basin in Lincoln County, Oregon. The stream is the principle tributary ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Limiting factors assessment and restoration plan Rock Creek : tributary to Devil's Lake, Lincoln County, Oregon Author: Bio-Surveys, LLC, Sialis Company This document provides watershed restoration actions proposed to enhance the Coho Salmon population within the Rock Creek / Devils Lake basin in Lincoln County, Oregon. The stream is the principle tributary of Devil’s Lake, a lake of natural origin that opens into the Pacific Ocean at the northern edge of Lincoln City, OR. The goal of the restoration effort has been to identify the dominant processes and habitat characteristics that currently limit the production of Coho salmon smolts in the basin, and to develop a prioritized list of actions (“prescriptions”) for removing the limitations in ways that normalize landscape and stream channel function. Restoration and assessment protocols used in developing the plan are described in “Midcoast Limiting Factors Analysis, A Method for Assessing 6th field subbasins for Restoration”, available at www.midcoastwatershedcouncil.org/GIS or by contacting the Midcoast Watersheds Council. Please refer to this document for detailed information on assessment, nomenclature, prioritization rationale and methodology. Title: Limiting factors assessment and restoration plan Rock Creek : tributary to Devil's Lake, Lincoln County, Oregon Author: Bio-Surveys, LLC, Sialis Company This document provides watershed restoration actions proposed to enhance the Coho Salmon population within the Rock Creek / Devils Lake basin in Lincoln County, Oregon. The stream is the principle tributary of Devil’s Lake, a lake of natural origin that opens into the Pacific Ocean at the northern edge of Lincoln City, OR. The goal of the restoration effort has been to identify the dominant processes and habitat characteristics that currently limit the production of Coho salmon smolts in the basin, and to develop a prioritized list of actions (“prescriptions”) for removing the limitations in ways that normalize landscape and stream channel function. Restoration and assessment protocols used in developing the plan are described in “Midcoast Limiting Factors Analysis, A Method for Assessing 6th field subbasins for Restoration”, available at www.midcoastwatershedcouncil.org/GIS or by contacting the Midcoast Watersheds Council. Please refer to this document for detailed information on assessment, nomenclature, prioritization rationale and methodology. Close

• 188. [Article] Miami River watershed assessment : final report

  The purpose of this watershed assessment is to inventory and characterize watershed conditions of the Miami River watershed and to provide recommendations that address the issues of water quality, fisheries ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Miami River watershed assessment : final report Author: E&S Environmental Chemistry, Inc., Sullivan, Timothy J., White, Shawn, Snyder, Kai U., Raymond, Richard B., Binder, Susan K., Bischoff, Joseph M. The purpose of this watershed assessment is to inventory and characterize watershed conditions of the Miami River watershed and to provide recommendations that address the issues of water quality, fisheries and fish habitat, and watershed hydrology. This assessment was conducted by reviewing and synthesizing existing data sets and some new data collected by the watershed council, following the guidelines outlined in the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) watershed assessment manual (WPN 1999). Title: Miami River watershed assessment : final report Author: E&S Environmental Chemistry, Inc., Sullivan, Timothy J., White, Shawn, Snyder, Kai U., Raymond, Richard B., Binder, Susan K., Bischoff, Joseph M. The purpose of this watershed assessment is to inventory and characterize watershed conditions of the Miami River watershed and to provide recommendations that address the issues of water quality, fisheries and fish habitat, and watershed hydrology. This assessment was conducted by reviewing and synthesizing existing data sets and some new data collected by the watershed council, following the guidelines outlined in the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) watershed assessment manual (WPN 1999). Close

• 189. [Article] The Response and Effect of Emergent Coastal Vegetation to Sedimentation and the Distribution of Coastal Vegetation Communities along Environmental Gradients

  Coastal marsh vegetation is an important component in maintaining marsh stability that is threatened by changes in sedimentation, sea level rise, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and competition ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Response and Effect of Emergent Coastal Vegetation to Sedimentation and the Distribution of Coastal Vegetation Communities along Environmental Gradients Author: Lemein, Todd Coastal marsh vegetation is an important component in maintaining marsh stability that is threatened by changes in sedimentation, sea level rise, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and competition from invasive species. Vegetation has been demonstrated to reduce wave energy, increase sedimentation, and decrease erosion in tidal environments under a range of conditions. Similarities and differences between the morphology of vegetation species may play an important role in understanding the mechanism between vegetation, sedimentation, and wave energy. Diversity of species within vegetation communities has been shown to reduce the success of biological invasions from invasive species as well as increase the ability of the community to adapt to environmental changes such as inundation period (period of time vegetation is submerged partially or fully by water). The species present along coastal marshes and specifically at the interface between vegetated marsh and unvegetated mudflat provide an opportunity to better understand the interactions between vegetation and its physical setting. In this dissertation I focus on the species and vegetation communities that are present at this interface of the terrestrial and aquatic boundary to better understand how plant communities may be characterized, how they respond to disturbance, how they are distributed, and how they may influence the physical environment in which they grow. In Chapter two, I explore the ability to use image analysis and the lateral obstruction of vegetation to describe a species density, height and diameter and evaluate the tradeoffs in using image analysis over more traditional methods. In Chapter three, I evaluate the response of an emergent vegetation species, threesquare bulrush (Schoenoplectus pungens), to different depths of complete burial as could be expected from extreme storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, or restoration efforts involving sediment amendment. Chapter four describes the distribution of coastal marsh communities of the Laurentian Great Lakes along an elevational gradient beginning at the terrestrial and aquatic boundary, identifying patterns of wetland distribution, species composition, and exotic plant invasion. In Chapter five, I conclude the dissertation with an evaluation of the effects of two morphologically distinct species of emergent marsh vegetation, threesquare bulrush and Lyngbye’s sedge (Carex lyngbyei), on the sedimentation rate and variability in Tillamook Bay, OR and compare the results to the current understanding of vegetation-sediment feedback. In Chapter two, I found that for morphologically simple species, such as S. pungens, image analysis of lateral obstruction can be used to determine important morphological characteristics of a stand of vegetation including the mean stem height, density, and mean diameter. The method provides a description of the vertical variation in morphologic structure, providing a rapid analytic tool for exploring the effects of vegetation on wave and sediment interaction. However, I note that more morphologically complex species, such as sedges and grasses may not be as easily described using image analysis. In Chapter three, I determined that aboveground biomass of S. pungens would return to pre-disturbance levels following burial by up to 40 cm of mineral sediment after two years. Vegetation was observed to survive burials depths of up to 80 cm, although initially at much lower density. The aboveground height of stems were statistically similar to unburied controls after two years, which is important for the continuation of ecosystem services such as wave attenuation. The results suggest that S. pungens is capable of returning to pre-disturbance levels of biomass following large natural sedimentation events such as extreme storms, hurricanes, or tsunamis, and that burying portions of marshes with sediment as a restoration tool is not likely to harm the buried vegetation. In Chapter four I refine and describe 21 coastal vegetation communities in the Laurentian Great Lakes and the ecological gradients along which they are distributed. Latitude, agricultural intensity, site geomorphology, substrate, and water depth were found to be the significant variables that determined community distribution. Additionally, we observed an expansion of invasive plant species near areas of high anthropogenic activity such as farms and urban centers. In Chapter five, I found that there were species-specific differences in sedimentation rate and variability in Tillamook Bay, OR. Schoenoplectus pungens was found to retain more sediment than C. lyngbyei. Sedimentation rate was observed to be variable by location within the estuary. Two patterns of sediment accumulation were observed. The first occurred along vegetation gradients, with increased sedimentation farther into vegetation beds. In the second pattern, sediment accumulation was observed to be greatest at the marsh/mudflat boundary where vegetation was dense and then decreased with increasing depth into the vegetation. In conclusion, this dissertation explores the interaction of emergent wetland vegetation with environmental factors. Image analysis provides a new tool for rapid characterization of vegetation structure, a burial experiment documents Schoenoplectus pungens’ tolerance to sand burial, a field study at Tillamook, OR documents the relationship between sediment accumulation and emergent vegetation beds, and a wetland classification is developed for coastal wetlands along the Great Lakes, which includes plant communities dominated by S. pungens. Title: The Response and Effect of Emergent Coastal Vegetation to Sedimentation and the Distribution of Coastal Vegetation Communities along Environmental Gradients Author: Lemein, Todd Coastal marsh vegetation is an important component in maintaining marsh stability that is threatened by changes in sedimentation, sea level rise, natural and anthropogenic disturbances, and competition from invasive species. Vegetation has been demonstrated to reduce wave energy, increase sedimentation, and decrease erosion in tidal environments under a range of conditions. Similarities and differences between the morphology of vegetation species may play an important role in understanding the mechanism between vegetation, sedimentation, and wave energy. Diversity of species within vegetation communities has been shown to reduce the success of biological invasions from invasive species as well as increase the ability of the community to adapt to environmental changes such as inundation period (period of time vegetation is submerged partially or fully by water). The species present along coastal marshes and specifically at the interface between vegetated marsh and unvegetated mudflat provide an opportunity to better understand the interactions between vegetation and its physical setting. In this dissertation I focus on the species and vegetation communities that are present at this interface of the terrestrial and aquatic boundary to better understand how plant communities may be characterized, how they respond to disturbance, how they are distributed, and how they may influence the physical environment in which they grow. In Chapter two, I explore the ability to use image analysis and the lateral obstruction of vegetation to describe a species density, height and diameter and evaluate the tradeoffs in using image analysis over more traditional methods. In Chapter three, I evaluate the response of an emergent vegetation species, threesquare bulrush (Schoenoplectus pungens), to different depths of complete burial as could be expected from extreme storms, hurricanes, tsunamis, or restoration efforts involving sediment amendment. Chapter four describes the distribution of coastal marsh communities of the Laurentian Great Lakes along an elevational gradient beginning at the terrestrial and aquatic boundary, identifying patterns of wetland distribution, species composition, and exotic plant invasion. In Chapter five, I conclude the dissertation with an evaluation of the effects of two morphologically distinct species of emergent marsh vegetation, threesquare bulrush and Lyngbye’s sedge (Carex lyngbyei), on the sedimentation rate and variability in Tillamook Bay, OR and compare the results to the current understanding of vegetation-sediment feedback. In Chapter two, I found that for morphologically simple species, such as S. pungens, image analysis of lateral obstruction can be used to determine important morphological characteristics of a stand of vegetation including the mean stem height, density, and mean diameter. The method provides a description of the vertical variation in morphologic structure, providing a rapid analytic tool for exploring the effects of vegetation on wave and sediment interaction. However, I note that more morphologically complex species, such as sedges and grasses may not be as easily described using image analysis. In Chapter three, I determined that aboveground biomass of S. pungens would return to pre-disturbance levels following burial by up to 40 cm of mineral sediment after two years. Vegetation was observed to survive burials depths of up to 80 cm, although initially at much lower density. The aboveground height of stems were statistically similar to unburied controls after two years, which is important for the continuation of ecosystem services such as wave attenuation. The results suggest that S. pungens is capable of returning to pre-disturbance levels of biomass following large natural sedimentation events such as extreme storms, hurricanes, or tsunamis, and that burying portions of marshes with sediment as a restoration tool is not likely to harm the buried vegetation. In Chapter four I refine and describe 21 coastal vegetation communities in the Laurentian Great Lakes and the ecological gradients along which they are distributed. Latitude, agricultural intensity, site geomorphology, substrate, and water depth were found to be the significant variables that determined community distribution. Additionally, we observed an expansion of invasive plant species near areas of high anthropogenic activity such as farms and urban centers. In Chapter five, I found that there were species-specific differences in sedimentation rate and variability in Tillamook Bay, OR. Schoenoplectus pungens was found to retain more sediment than C. lyngbyei. Sedimentation rate was observed to be variable by location within the estuary. Two patterns of sediment accumulation were observed. The first occurred along vegetation gradients, with increased sedimentation farther into vegetation beds. In the second pattern, sediment accumulation was observed to be greatest at the marsh/mudflat boundary where vegetation was dense and then decreased with increasing depth into the vegetation. In conclusion, this dissertation explores the interaction of emergent wetland vegetation with environmental factors. Image analysis provides a new tool for rapid characterization of vegetation structure, a burial experiment documents Schoenoplectus pungens’ tolerance to sand burial, a field study at Tillamook, OR documents the relationship between sediment accumulation and emergent vegetation beds, and a wetland classification is developed for coastal wetlands along the Great Lakes, which includes plant communities dominated by S. pungens. Close

• 190. [Article] Vegetation classification for the badger allotment, Mt. Hood National Forest

  More than 200 sites between 500 and 2000 meters elevation were examined utilizing a reconnaissance sampling technique for a portion of the eastern slopes of the northern Oregon Cascade Mountains. Twelve ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Vegetation classification for the badger allotment, Mt. Hood National Forest Author: Williams, Clinton K. More than 200 sites between 500 and 2000 meters elevation were examined utilizing a reconnaissance sampling technique for a portion of the eastern slopes of the northern Oregon Cascade Mountains. Twelve different forested plant communities were described with data on vegetation, soils and topography. A map of their distribution and a key for their identification were presented. The communities were grouped into four different series based on climax tree species. The Pinus ponderosa-Quercus garryana series dominated elevations between 600 and 850 meters and included four community types. The Quercus garryana/Purshia tridentata/ Agropyron spicatum type was an open Quercus garryana woodland found on upper southerly slopes with relatively shallow soils. The Pinus ponderosa-Quercus garryana/Purshia tridentata/Festuca idahoensis type was the most widespread member of the series and was found on gentle slopes with east to south aspects. The Pinus/ ponderosa/Purshia tridentata/Lupinus leucophyllus type was found on gentle east to south facing slopes on flat or convex microrelief. The Pinus ponderosa/Purshia tridentata Lupinus caudata type was on gentle east to south facing slopes having concave microrelief. The Abies grandis series dominated elevations between 850 and 1500 meters and included four community types. The Abies grandis/ Carex geyeri type occupied the lowest elevations within the series and was found on all aspects and slope positions. The Abies grandis/ Pyrola secunda type was found at the upper elevations on midslopes with northerly aspects between 1360 and 1415 meters. The Thuja plicata series was found in stream bottoms and valleys between 1100 and 1325 meters elevation and included two community types. The Tsuga plicata/Linnaea borealis var. longiflora type was found on flat to concave microrelief with soils that had a high ground water table. The Tsuga heterophylla/Linnaea borealis var. longiflora type was found on lower sheltered valleys and side slopes. The Abies amabilis series dominated the upper elevations of the study area between 1500 and 1960 meters and included two community types. Tsuga mertensiana was a conspicuous associate with Abies amabilis. The understory vegetation was often depauperate and poorly developed. Low shrubs were usually the most dominant understory species. The Abies amabilis /Rubus lasiococcus type was found at the lower elevations within the series on a variety of slopes, aspects and topography. The Abies amabilis/Vaccinium scoparium type occupied the highest elevations within the study area and subalpine meadows and openings were commonly interspersed with it. It occurred on north to east aspects on a variety of slopes and topography. Non-forested areas within the study area were not classified but were briefly described. Some implications for management by community were also given. Title: Vegetation classification for the badger allotment, Mt. Hood National Forest Author: Williams, Clinton K. More than 200 sites between 500 and 2000 meters elevation were examined utilizing a reconnaissance sampling technique for a portion of the eastern slopes of the northern Oregon Cascade Mountains. Twelve different forested plant communities were described with data on vegetation, soils and topography. A map of their distribution and a key for their identification were presented. The communities were grouped into four different series based on climax tree species. The Pinus ponderosa-Quercus garryana series dominated elevations between 600 and 850 meters and included four community types. The Quercus garryana/Purshia tridentata/ Agropyron spicatum type was an open Quercus garryana woodland found on upper southerly slopes with relatively shallow soils. The Pinus ponderosa-Quercus garryana/Purshia tridentata/Festuca idahoensis type was the most widespread member of the series and was found on gentle slopes with east to south aspects. The Pinus/ ponderosa/Purshia tridentata/Lupinus leucophyllus type was found on gentle east to south facing slopes on flat or convex microrelief. The Pinus ponderosa/Purshia tridentata Lupinus caudata type was on gentle east to south facing slopes having concave microrelief. The Abies grandis series dominated elevations between 850 and 1500 meters and included four community types. The Abies grandis/ Carex geyeri type occupied the lowest elevations within the series and was found on all aspects and slope positions. The Abies grandis/ Pyrola secunda type was found at the upper elevations on midslopes with northerly aspects between 1360 and 1415 meters. The Thuja plicata series was found in stream bottoms and valleys between 1100 and 1325 meters elevation and included two community types. The Tsuga plicata/Linnaea borealis var. longiflora type was found on flat to concave microrelief with soils that had a high ground water table. The Tsuga heterophylla/Linnaea borealis var. longiflora type was found on lower sheltered valleys and side slopes. The Abies amabilis series dominated the upper elevations of the study area between 1500 and 1960 meters and included two community types. Tsuga mertensiana was a conspicuous associate with Abies amabilis. The understory vegetation was often depauperate and poorly developed. Low shrubs were usually the most dominant understory species. The Abies amabilis /Rubus lasiococcus type was found at the lower elevations within the series on a variety of slopes, aspects and topography. The Abies amabilis/Vaccinium scoparium type occupied the highest elevations within the study area and subalpine meadows and openings were commonly interspersed with it. It occurred on north to east aspects on a variety of slopes and topography. Non-forested areas within the study area were not classified but were briefly described. Some implications for management by community were also given. Close

• 191. [Article] Research vegetation control environmental assessment

  51 pp. Maps, tables. The two sites under consideration are located at T15S, R7E, Section 10 (Bunchgrass Meadow) and at T15S R5E Sec 28 (H.J. Andrews). Captured March 25, 2009.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Research vegetation control environmental assessment Author: Willamette National Forest (Agency : U.S.) Year: 2009, 2008 51 pp. Maps, tables. The two sites under consideration are located at T15S, R7E, Section 10 (Bunchgrass Meadow) and at T15S R5E Sec 28 (H.J. Andrews). Captured March 25, 2009. Title: Research vegetation control environmental assessment Author: Willamette National Forest (Agency : U.S.) Year: 2009, 2008 51 pp. Maps, tables. The two sites under consideration are located at T15S, R7E, Section 10 (Bunchgrass Meadow) and at T15S R5E Sec 28 (H.J. Andrews). Captured March 25, 2009. Close

• 192. [Article] A mathematical transformation of multi-angular remote sensing data for the study of vegetation change

  Vegetation change is an important factor affecting the global carbon cycle, land-atmosphere interaction, and terrestrial ecology. The study of vegetation change on a global scale can be used to evaluate ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A mathematical transformation of multi-angular remote sensing data for the study of vegetation change Author: Friedel, Robert G. Vegetation change is an important factor affecting the global carbon cycle, land-atmosphere interaction, and terrestrial ecology. The study of vegetation change on a global scale can be used to evaluate the impact of global climate change on terrestrial ecosystems. Satellite remote sensing can monitor vegetation change at the global scale, providing continuous samples of radiation reflected by vegetated surfaces with a temporal resolution of days. The MISR instrument offers the potential to sample the specular anisotropy of the Earth from up to 9 angles. Characterization of the specular anisotropy of vegetated surfaces on a global scale will provide information on the physical characteristics of vegetation affecting anisotropy not available from nadir-view only remote sensing. The objective of this study is to develop a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) transformation of multi-angular measurements of the Earth’s surface acquired by the MISR instrument, to examine the feasibility of quantifying the structural characteristics of different vegetation communities at a global scale. This transformation will be applied to a time-series analysis of the Kalmioposis Wilderness in the Siskiyou National Forest in Southwestern Oregon to better understand the changes in spectral and angular reflectance of a forest stand during re-growth after a stand-replacing disturbance. A sample encompassing a full phenologic cycle, of the red bands only from MISR cameras Ca – Cf, at scaled surface reflectance, provided the template on which PCA was performed. The sample of MISR data was created using imagery collected from 2001 – 2005 to provide a wide variety of vegetation and soils reflectance over a phenologic cycle. Sample data was rotated to the principal components as the new axes using the coefficients of rotation from an un-standardized PCA. Samples were evaluated at various latitudes, differing topography, and varying vegetation density and land cover to determine the properties of the scene controlling the range and magnitude of the principal components. Principal component 1 was found to have high negative correlation to NDVI. Principal component 2 was found to have high positive correlation to both the solar zenith angle and the relative azimuth angle between the MISR sensor and the path of incident radiation. Principal component 3 could not be correlated to any available metric, although evidence suggests that component 3 may carry useful information. The PCA transformation proved useful at relating the changes in vegetation after a fire at the Biscuit Complex. The changes in the BRDF as sampled by MISR were expressed through the principal components, but these changes could not be directly related to changing structural characteristics of the vegetation. The goal of assessing structural characteristics of vegetation through the PCA transformation to a single metric of vegetation structure was unsuccessful. The PCA transformation of the MISR sample successfully yielded a transformation where different classes of vegetation occupied distinct and unique regions of PCA space. The first two principal components were successfully correlated to measurable and definable metrics of vegetation and solar illumination. The third principal component, for which a correlation could not be found, was suggestive of carrying unique information and merits further investigation. The transformation of multi-angular red band reflectance as presented in this study may prove to be a valuable method of estimating biomass at a global scale. With principal components correlated to measures of biomass in NDVI and to the shadowing of the ground through the angle of solar illumination, the PCA relates characteristics of vegetated scenes in a minimum of bands. Title: A mathematical transformation of multi-angular remote sensing data for the study of vegetation change Author: Friedel, Robert G. Vegetation change is an important factor affecting the global carbon cycle, land-atmosphere interaction, and terrestrial ecology. The study of vegetation change on a global scale can be used to evaluate the impact of global climate change on terrestrial ecosystems. Satellite remote sensing can monitor vegetation change at the global scale, providing continuous samples of radiation reflected by vegetated surfaces with a temporal resolution of days. The MISR instrument offers the potential to sample the specular anisotropy of the Earth from up to 9 angles. Characterization of the specular anisotropy of vegetated surfaces on a global scale will provide information on the physical characteristics of vegetation affecting anisotropy not available from nadir-view only remote sensing. The objective of this study is to develop a Principal Components Analysis (PCA) transformation of multi-angular measurements of the Earth’s surface acquired by the MISR instrument, to examine the feasibility of quantifying the structural characteristics of different vegetation communities at a global scale. This transformation will be applied to a time-series analysis of the Kalmioposis Wilderness in the Siskiyou National Forest in Southwestern Oregon to better understand the changes in spectral and angular reflectance of a forest stand during re-growth after a stand-replacing disturbance. A sample encompassing a full phenologic cycle, of the red bands only from MISR cameras Ca – Cf, at scaled surface reflectance, provided the template on which PCA was performed. The sample of MISR data was created using imagery collected from 2001 – 2005 to provide a wide variety of vegetation and soils reflectance over a phenologic cycle. Sample data was rotated to the principal components as the new axes using the coefficients of rotation from an un-standardized PCA. Samples were evaluated at various latitudes, differing topography, and varying vegetation density and land cover to determine the properties of the scene controlling the range and magnitude of the principal components. Principal component 1 was found to have high negative correlation to NDVI. Principal component 2 was found to have high positive correlation to both the solar zenith angle and the relative azimuth angle between the MISR sensor and the path of incident radiation. Principal component 3 could not be correlated to any available metric, although evidence suggests that component 3 may carry useful information. The PCA transformation proved useful at relating the changes in vegetation after a fire at the Biscuit Complex. The changes in the BRDF as sampled by MISR were expressed through the principal components, but these changes could not be directly related to changing structural characteristics of the vegetation. The goal of assessing structural characteristics of vegetation through the PCA transformation to a single metric of vegetation structure was unsuccessful. The PCA transformation of the MISR sample successfully yielded a transformation where different classes of vegetation occupied distinct and unique regions of PCA space. The first two principal components were successfully correlated to measurable and definable metrics of vegetation and solar illumination. The third principal component, for which a correlation could not be found, was suggestive of carrying unique information and merits further investigation. The transformation of multi-angular red band reflectance as presented in this study may prove to be a valuable method of estimating biomass at a global scale. With principal components correlated to measures of biomass in NDVI and to the shadowing of the ground through the angle of solar illumination, the PCA relates characteristics of vegetated scenes in a minimum of bands. Close

• 193. [Article] Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Micro-UAVs, Drones) in Plant Ecology

  Premise of the study: Low-elevation surveys with small aerial drones (micro–unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs]) may be used for a wide variety of applications in plant ecology, including mapping vegetation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Micro-UAVs, Drones) in Plant Ecology Author: Cruzan, Mitchell B., Weinstein, Ben G., Grasty, Monica R., Kohrn, Brendan F., Hendrickson, Elizabeth C., Arredondo, Tina M., Thompson, Pamela G. Year: 2016 Premise of the study: Low-elevation surveys with small aerial drones (micro–unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs]) may be used for a wide variety of applications in plant ecology, including mapping vegetation over small- to medium-sized regions. We provide an overview of methods and procedures for conducting surveys and illustrate some of these applications. Methods: Aerial images were obtained by flying a small drone along transects over the area of interest. Images were used to create a composite image (orthomosaic) and a digital surface model (DSM). Vegetation classification was conducted manually and using an automated routine. Coverage of an individual species was estimated from aerial images. Results: We created a vegetation map for the entire region from the orthomosaic and DSM, and mapped the density of one species. Comparison of our manual and automated habitat classification confirmed that our mapping methods were accurate. A species with high contrast to the background matrix allowed adequate estimate of its coverage. Discussion: The example surveys demonstrate that small aerial drones are capable of gathering large amounts of information on the distribution of vegetation and individual species with minimal impact to sensitive habitats. Low-elevation aerial surveys have potential for a wide range of applications in plant ecology. Title: Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Micro-UAVs, Drones) in Plant Ecology Author: Cruzan, Mitchell B., Weinstein, Ben G., Grasty, Monica R., Kohrn, Brendan F., Hendrickson, Elizabeth C., Arredondo, Tina M., Thompson, Pamela G. Year: 2016 Premise of the study: Low-elevation surveys with small aerial drones (micro–unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs]) may be used for a wide variety of applications in plant ecology, including mapping vegetation over small- to medium-sized regions. We provide an overview of methods and procedures for conducting surveys and illustrate some of these applications. Methods: Aerial images were obtained by flying a small drone along transects over the area of interest. Images were used to create a composite image (orthomosaic) and a digital surface model (DSM). Vegetation classification was conducted manually and using an automated routine. Coverage of an individual species was estimated from aerial images. Results: We created a vegetation map for the entire region from the orthomosaic and DSM, and mapped the density of one species. Comparison of our manual and automated habitat classification confirmed that our mapping methods were accurate. A species with high contrast to the background matrix allowed adequate estimate of its coverage. Discussion: The example surveys demonstrate that small aerial drones are capable of gathering large amounts of information on the distribution of vegetation and individual species with minimal impact to sensitive habitats. Low-elevation aerial surveys have potential for a wide range of applications in plant ecology. Close

• 194. [Article] Umatilla and Meacham ecosystem analysis and Upland forest vegetation analysis: Umatilla and Meacham watersheds

  296 pp. Tables, figures, references, maps, glossary, appendices. "The Umatilla-Meacham ecosystem analysis area is located on the Walla Walla Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest. The analysis ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Umatilla and Meacham ecosystem analysis and Upland forest vegetation analysis: Umatilla and Meacham watersheds Author: Umatilla National Forest (Agency : U.S.), Powell, David C. Year: 2008, 2001 296 pp. Tables, figures, references, maps, glossary, appendices. "The Umatilla-Meacham ecosystem analysis area is located on the Walla Walla Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest. The analysis area lies on the west flank of the Blue Mountains in the headwaters of the Umatilla River subbasin (HUC #17070103), about 25 miles east of Pendleton, Oregon (Figure 1-1). Together, the two watersheds (Umatilla and Meacham) amount to about 200,700 acres, or about 313.5 square miles in area. About 70 percent of the analysis area is National Forest land (Figure 1-2)." Date of Upland forest vegetation analysis is October 1994. Captured June 18, 2008. Title: Umatilla and Meacham ecosystem analysis and Upland forest vegetation analysis: Umatilla and Meacham watersheds Author: Umatilla National Forest (Agency : U.S.), Powell, David C. Year: 2008, 2001 296 pp. Tables, figures, references, maps, glossary, appendices. "The Umatilla-Meacham ecosystem analysis area is located on the Walla Walla Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest. The analysis area lies on the west flank of the Blue Mountains in the headwaters of the Umatilla River subbasin (HUC #17070103), about 25 miles east of Pendleton, Oregon (Figure 1-1). Together, the two watersheds (Umatilla and Meacham) amount to about 200,700 acres, or about 313.5 square miles in area. About 70 percent of the analysis area is National Forest land (Figure 1-2)." Date of Upland forest vegetation analysis is October 1994. Captured June 18, 2008. Close

• 195. [Article] A biological classification and characterization of structure in managed, mixed-species, multi-aged stands

  Forest management requires classification of forest stands into groupings or types based on structural similarities, even when structure varies continuously along gradients. Managed, mixed-species, multi-aged ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A biological classification and characterization of structure in managed, mixed-species, multi-aged stands Author: Singleton, Ryan B. Forest management requires classification of forest stands into groupings or types based on structural similarities, even when structure varies continuously along gradients. Managed, mixed-species, multi-aged forest stands often display complex structures containing extreme variation in trees size, density, and species composition, and as a result have diverse canopy structures. A classification of these stands is quite challenging and has usually been done rather subjectively. The first objective of this study was to identify and apply an effective methodology to classify stand structures in mixed-species, multi-aged stands. Cluster analysis provided an approach for objective classification of stands based on a set of structural variables available from typical inventory data. A commercial forest ownership in northern California comprised the target population. Stands investigated were primarily mixed-species, multi-cohort stands that had been managed predominantly using single tree selection methods, resulting in a diverse range of vegetation structures. Crown area profile (cross-sectional crown area per relative stand height) (Dubrasich et. al 1997) served as basis for the classification since it embodies the size, density, and crown structure attributes necessary to characterize complex stands. The stand types identified were then fully characterized and differentiated from each other with respect to various attributes allowing realization of the full benefit of the classification developed. The second objective was to fully characterize the stand types identified through cluster analysis. Three categories of attributes were regarded as most important for making silvicultural decisions in the target mixed conifer forests: 1) size distribution and density, 2) canopy structure, and 3) growth dynamics. Title: A biological classification and characterization of structure in managed, mixed-species, multi-aged stands Author: Singleton, Ryan B. Forest management requires classification of forest stands into groupings or types based on structural similarities, even when structure varies continuously along gradients. Managed, mixed-species, multi-aged forest stands often display complex structures containing extreme variation in trees size, density, and species composition, and as a result have diverse canopy structures. A classification of these stands is quite challenging and has usually been done rather subjectively. The first objective of this study was to identify and apply an effective methodology to classify stand structures in mixed-species, multi-aged stands. Cluster analysis provided an approach for objective classification of stands based on a set of structural variables available from typical inventory data. A commercial forest ownership in northern California comprised the target population. Stands investigated were primarily mixed-species, multi-cohort stands that had been managed predominantly using single tree selection methods, resulting in a diverse range of vegetation structures. Crown area profile (cross-sectional crown area per relative stand height) (Dubrasich et. al 1997) served as basis for the classification since it embodies the size, density, and crown structure attributes necessary to characterize complex stands. The stand types identified were then fully characterized and differentiated from each other with respect to various attributes allowing realization of the full benefit of the classification developed. The second objective was to fully characterize the stand types identified through cluster analysis. Three categories of attributes were regarded as most important for making silvicultural decisions in the target mixed conifer forests: 1) size distribution and density, 2) canopy structure, and 3) growth dynamics. Close

• 196. [Article] A per-segment approach to improving aspen mapping from remote sensing imagery and its implications at different scales

  A per-segment classification system was developed to map aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands on Winter Ridge in central Oregon from remote sensing imagery. A 1-meter color infrared (CIR) image was segmented ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A per-segment approach to improving aspen mapping from remote sensing imagery and its implications at different scales Author: Heyman, Ofer A per-segment classification system was developed to map aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands on Winter Ridge in central Oregon from remote sensing imagery. A 1-meter color infrared (CIR) image was segmented based on its hue and saturation values to generate aspen "candidates", which were then classified to show aspen coverage according to the mean values of spectral reflectance and multi-resolution texture within the segments. For a three-category mapping, an 88 percent overall accuracy with a K-hat statistic of 0.82 was achieved, while for a two-category mapping, a 90 percent overall accuracy with a K-hat statistic of 0.78 was obtained. In order to compare these results to traditional per-pixel classifications, an unsupervised classification procedure based on the ISODATA algorithm was applied to both pixel-based and segment-based seven-layer images. While differences among various per-pixel classifications were found to be insignificant, the results from the per-segment system were consistently more than 20 percent better than those from per-pixel classifications. Both the per-segment and per-pixel classifications were applied at various spatial resolutions in order to study the effect of spatial resolution on the relative performance of the two methods. The per-segment classifier outperformed the per-pixel classifier at the 1-4-m resolution, performed equally well at the 8-16-m resolution and showed no ability to classify accurately at the 32-m resolution due to the segmentation process used. Overall, the per-segment method was found to be more scale-sensitive than the per-pixel method and required some tuning to the segmentation algorithm at lower resolutions. These results illustrate the advantages of per-segment methods at high spatial resolutions but also suggest that segmentation algorithms should be applied carefully at different spatial resolutions. Title: A per-segment approach to improving aspen mapping from remote sensing imagery and its implications at different scales Author: Heyman, Ofer A per-segment classification system was developed to map aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands on Winter Ridge in central Oregon from remote sensing imagery. A 1-meter color infrared (CIR) image was segmented based on its hue and saturation values to generate aspen "candidates", which were then classified to show aspen coverage according to the mean values of spectral reflectance and multi-resolution texture within the segments. For a three-category mapping, an 88 percent overall accuracy with a K-hat statistic of 0.82 was achieved, while for a two-category mapping, a 90 percent overall accuracy with a K-hat statistic of 0.78 was obtained. In order to compare these results to traditional per-pixel classifications, an unsupervised classification procedure based on the ISODATA algorithm was applied to both pixel-based and segment-based seven-layer images. While differences among various per-pixel classifications were found to be insignificant, the results from the per-segment system were consistently more than 20 percent better than those from per-pixel classifications. Both the per-segment and per-pixel classifications were applied at various spatial resolutions in order to study the effect of spatial resolution on the relative performance of the two methods. The per-segment classifier outperformed the per-pixel classifier at the 1-4-m resolution, performed equally well at the 8-16-m resolution and showed no ability to classify accurately at the 32-m resolution due to the segmentation process used. Overall, the per-segment method was found to be more scale-sensitive than the per-pixel method and required some tuning to the segmentation algorithm at lower resolutions. These results illustrate the advantages of per-segment methods at high spatial resolutions but also suggest that segmentation algorithms should be applied carefully at different spatial resolutions. Close

• 197. [Article] An ecological reconnaissance of the artemisia steppe on the east central Owyee uplands of Oregon

  As the management of range lands is intensified or as improvement activity is increased, a critical need is seen to refine the understanding of the ecology of these lands. If soil surveys on range lands ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An ecological reconnaissance of the artemisia steppe on the east central Owyee uplands of Oregon Author: Culver, Roger Norman As the management of range lands is intensified or as improvement activity is increased, a critical need is seen to refine the understanding of the ecology of these lands. If soil surveys on range lands are to be meaningful and useful, the relationship between the fundamental ecological units and the taxonomic soil units must be clearly understood. This refined understanding of range resources is prerequisite to success in resource inventory (whether by range site, soils, or vegetation and soils mapping), in condition and trend measurement, and in wise location of range improvement projects. The urgent need for this knowledge of range ecology led to this study as a test of a simpler and faster ecological method for the accumulation of interpretable facts on the ecology of the Artemisia steppe vegetation. Using reconnaissance methods, vegetation and soils were studied together in the east central Owyhee Uplands near Jordan Valley, Oregon. Qualitative vegetation data, soil profile descriptions and information concerning other physical environmental factors were recorded at each study location. Following the polyclimax and habitat -type concepts of ecology the vegetation of the study area was resolved into eight homogeneous vegetation units as phytometers of their respective environment as follows: Artemisia tridentata /Agropyron spicatum association, Artemisia tridentata /Agropyron spicatum association, Festuca idahoensis phase, Artemisia tridentata /Festuca idahoensis association, Artemisia tridentata /Elymus cinereus association, Artemisia tridentata - Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus /Stipa thurberiana associes, Artemisia rigida /Poa secunda association, Artemisia arbuscula /Festuca idahoensis association, Artemisia arbuscula / Agropyron spicatum association. A key to the field recognition of these habitat -types is presented. These plant communities are related to ten soil series which include soils of the Brown Great Soil Group, Minimal Brown soils, and one Lithosol. With the exception of one community, Artemisia tridentata /Elymus cinereus association, excellent relationships were found to exist between the independently developed vegetation and soils classification units. Title: An ecological reconnaissance of the artemisia steppe on the east central Owyee uplands of Oregon Author: Culver, Roger Norman As the management of range lands is intensified or as improvement activity is increased, a critical need is seen to refine the understanding of the ecology of these lands. If soil surveys on range lands are to be meaningful and useful, the relationship between the fundamental ecological units and the taxonomic soil units must be clearly understood. This refined understanding of range resources is prerequisite to success in resource inventory (whether by range site, soils, or vegetation and soils mapping), in condition and trend measurement, and in wise location of range improvement projects. The urgent need for this knowledge of range ecology led to this study as a test of a simpler and faster ecological method for the accumulation of interpretable facts on the ecology of the Artemisia steppe vegetation. Using reconnaissance methods, vegetation and soils were studied together in the east central Owyhee Uplands near Jordan Valley, Oregon. Qualitative vegetation data, soil profile descriptions and information concerning other physical environmental factors were recorded at each study location. Following the polyclimax and habitat -type concepts of ecology the vegetation of the study area was resolved into eight homogeneous vegetation units as phytometers of their respective environment as follows: Artemisia tridentata /Agropyron spicatum association, Artemisia tridentata /Agropyron spicatum association, Festuca idahoensis phase, Artemisia tridentata /Festuca idahoensis association, Artemisia tridentata /Elymus cinereus association, Artemisia tridentata - Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus /Stipa thurberiana associes, Artemisia rigida /Poa secunda association, Artemisia arbuscula /Festuca idahoensis association, Artemisia arbuscula / Agropyron spicatum association. A key to the field recognition of these habitat -types is presented. These plant communities are related to ten soil series which include soils of the Brown Great Soil Group, Minimal Brown soils, and one Lithosol. With the exception of one community, Artemisia tridentata /Elymus cinereus association, excellent relationships were found to exist between the independently developed vegetation and soils classification units. Close

• 198. [Article] Sugar vegetation management project environmental assessment

  203 pp. Table, maps, appendix, illus. T.1S R.36-37E and 2S, R. 36-37E. Captured March 24, 2009.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Sugar vegetation management project environmental assessment Author: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (Agency : U.S.) Year: 2009, 2008 203 pp. Table, maps, appendix, illus. T.1S R.36-37E and 2S, R. 36-37E. Captured March 24, 2009. Title: Sugar vegetation management project environmental assessment Author: Wallowa-Whitman National Forest (Agency : U.S.) Year: 2009, 2008 203 pp. Table, maps, appendix, illus. T.1S R.36-37E and 2S, R. 36-37E. Captured March 24, 2009. Close

• 199. [Article] Is the diet of a typical shredder related to the physical habitat of headwater streams in the Brazilian Cerrado?

  To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by EDP Sciences ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Is the diet of a typical shredder related to the physical habitat of headwater streams in the Brazilian Cerrado? Author: Hughes, Robert M., Ferreira, Wander R., et al., Macedo, Diego R., Ligeiro, Raphael To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by EDP Sciences and can be found at: http://www.limnology-journal.org/ Title: Is the diet of a typical shredder related to the physical habitat of headwater streams in the Brazilian Cerrado? Author: Hughes, Robert M., Ferreira, Wander R., et al., Macedo, Diego R., Ligeiro, Raphael To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by EDP Sciences and can be found at: http://www.limnology-journal.org/ Close

• 200. [Article] An analysis of montane forest vegetation on the east flank of the central Oregon Cascades

  Montane forest vegetation as it occurs on the east flank of the central Oregon Cascades has provided excellent conditions for a "natural experiment" in the use of various methodologies in studying vegetational ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An analysis of montane forest vegetation on the east flank of the central Oregon Cascades Author: West, Neil E. Montane forest vegetation as it occurs on the east flank of the central Oregon Cascades has provided excellent conditions for a "natural experiment" in the use of various methodologies in studying vegetational distribution. This "experiment" has reflected on some theory and practice for the discipline of plant synecology. Detailed descriptions, analysis, and interpretation of the data also document present conditions in relation to the past and allow prognostication of future changes, which in turn may be of silvicultural importance for a portion of this forest type found extensively on the east flank of the Sierra Nevada-Cascades cordillera. A major objective of this study was to determine the relative merits and deficiencies of attempting to transpose to this vegetation the methods of analyzing vegetation based on the individualistic or continuum philosophy of phytosociology that has developed and been practiced principally in the north-central United States. These attempts have been contrasted to strengths and short-comings of poly-climax theory, the most widely used basis of vegetational classification in the Pacific Northwest, in relation to the analysis of this and other vegetation types. The influences on and of these varying interpretations have been outlined and presented in tabular form. The study area is nearly ideal for posing these questions because edaphic and topographic factor complexes remain surprisingly uniform. The vegetation is superimposed in apparent primary response to the condensed gradient of total precipitation due to the orographic "rain shadow" effect from the Cascades intervening in this region of prevailing westerly winds. The stability of the vegetation concomitant with this nearly ideal set of "naturally controlled" physical conditions, minimized variations in successional status, except that due to fire exclusion. This latter variation, however, paralleled the complex gradient studied, a happenstance which allowed silviculturally important interpretations to be made. Stable vegetation occurring in general contiguity allowed stands to be sampled systematically, leaving little doubt concerning the validity of interpolation between stands and the areal representation of the samples. Another main objective of the study was to obtain and analyze data to substantiate the hypothesized influence of light periodic ground fires in initiating and maintaining the characteristic mosaic of size-age class distribution of ponderosa pine. The data also yielded a quantitative indication of the shift in species composition and dominance that is in largest measure due to the continued exclusion of fire by man for approximately the past 50 years. From these data the future appearance of the forest can be surmised, and silvicultural manipulations can be suggested that are best in harmony with the ecology of these forests. The circumstances that provided this "natural experiment" have allowed the author to demonstrate certain limitations to direct transposition of methods widely used in other areas of the United States, or even the Pacific Northwest, when description and analysis in closest feasible parallel to the nature of the patterns of vegetational distribution found in this area are attempted. This finding catalyzed the development of a method incorporating cluster analysis of matrices of relative parameter-weighted coefficients of association into a means of making very objective synecological delimitations. The dendrograms derived from this analysis allow a "sliding scale" of stratification to be made in this vegetation of most realistically intermediate, yet of more continuously variable than unit-association nature. Title: An analysis of montane forest vegetation on the east flank of the central Oregon Cascades Author: West, Neil E. Montane forest vegetation as it occurs on the east flank of the central Oregon Cascades has provided excellent conditions for a "natural experiment" in the use of various methodologies in studying vegetational distribution. This "experiment" has reflected on some theory and practice for the discipline of plant synecology. Detailed descriptions, analysis, and interpretation of the data also document present conditions in relation to the past and allow prognostication of future changes, which in turn may be of silvicultural importance for a portion of this forest type found extensively on the east flank of the Sierra Nevada-Cascades cordillera. A major objective of this study was to determine the relative merits and deficiencies of attempting to transpose to this vegetation the methods of analyzing vegetation based on the individualistic or continuum philosophy of phytosociology that has developed and been practiced principally in the north-central United States. These attempts have been contrasted to strengths and short-comings of poly-climax theory, the most widely used basis of vegetational classification in the Pacific Northwest, in relation to the analysis of this and other vegetation types. The influences on and of these varying interpretations have been outlined and presented in tabular form. The study area is nearly ideal for posing these questions because edaphic and topographic factor complexes remain surprisingly uniform. The vegetation is superimposed in apparent primary response to the condensed gradient of total precipitation due to the orographic "rain shadow" effect from the Cascades intervening in this region of prevailing westerly winds. The stability of the vegetation concomitant with this nearly ideal set of "naturally controlled" physical conditions, minimized variations in successional status, except that due to fire exclusion. This latter variation, however, paralleled the complex gradient studied, a happenstance which allowed silviculturally important interpretations to be made. Stable vegetation occurring in general contiguity allowed stands to be sampled systematically, leaving little doubt concerning the validity of interpolation between stands and the areal representation of the samples. Another main objective of the study was to obtain and analyze data to substantiate the hypothesized influence of light periodic ground fires in initiating and maintaining the characteristic mosaic of size-age class distribution of ponderosa pine. The data also yielded a quantitative indication of the shift in species composition and dominance that is in largest measure due to the continued exclusion of fire by man for approximately the past 50 years. From these data the future appearance of the forest can be surmised, and silvicultural manipulations can be suggested that are best in harmony with the ecology of these forests. The circumstances that provided this "natural experiment" have allowed the author to demonstrate certain limitations to direct transposition of methods widely used in other areas of the United States, or even the Pacific Northwest, when description and analysis in closest feasible parallel to the nature of the patterns of vegetational distribution found in this area are attempted. This finding catalyzed the development of a method incorporating cluster analysis of matrices of relative parameter-weighted coefficients of association into a means of making very objective synecological delimitations. The dendrograms derived from this analysis allow a "sliding scale" of stratification to be made in this vegetation of most realistically intermediate, yet of more continuously variable than unit-association nature. 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