Search

Search Results

• 31. [Image] Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds biennial report, 2005-2007

  	The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Biennial Report 2005-2007. This is the sixth report on the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The report provides an update on the accomplishments and continuing ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds biennial report, 2005-2007 Author: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Year: 2006, 2007 The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Biennial Report 2005-2007. This is the sixth report on the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The report provides an update on the accomplishments and continuing efforts of people throughout Oregon to improve and protect clean water and recover and maintain healthy populations offish and wildlife in our watersheds. The Oregon Plan is unique because it engages communities in the restoration and long-term stewardship of their watersheds. This extraordinary effort encourages local partnerships and voluntary actions to improve the conditions of our watersheds. Over the years, these actions have made Oregon a national leader in local cooperative conservation. This report collects project and condition data, voluntary private lands restoration information, and agency program accomplishments under the Oregon Plan. Consistent with the past two reports, this document continues to provide specific data on each of the state's fifteen reporting basins. A new element to this report is the inclusion of stories about the people, partnerships, and on-the-ground projects that are benefiting watersheds and communities across the state. Thanks to the many Oregon Plan partners who contributed to this report. Thomas M. Byler Executive Director Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Title: Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds biennial report, 2005-2007 Author: Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Year: 2006, 2007 The Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds Biennial Report 2005-2007. This is the sixth report on the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. The report provides an update on the accomplishments and continuing efforts of people throughout Oregon to improve and protect clean water and recover and maintain healthy populations offish and wildlife in our watersheds. The Oregon Plan is unique because it engages communities in the restoration and long-term stewardship of their watersheds. This extraordinary effort encourages local partnerships and voluntary actions to improve the conditions of our watersheds. Over the years, these actions have made Oregon a national leader in local cooperative conservation. This report collects project and condition data, voluntary private lands restoration information, and agency program accomplishments under the Oregon Plan. Consistent with the past two reports, this document continues to provide specific data on each of the state's fifteen reporting basins. A new element to this report is the inclusion of stories about the people, partnerships, and on-the-ground projects that are benefiting watersheds and communities across the state. Thanks to the many Oregon Plan partners who contributed to this report. Thomas M. Byler Executive Director Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Close

• 32. [Article] Characterizing patterns of wetland occurrence in Oregon using an interactive geodatabase : a method for conservation planning

  Several state and federal agencies have identified Oregon's coastal wetlands as priority areas for conservation, and in some cases have specifically singled out nontidal (mostly palustrine) wetlands as ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Characterizing patterns of wetland occurrence in Oregon using an interactive geodatabase : a method for conservation planning Author: Larsen, Jennifer (Jennifer Elizabeth) Several state and federal agencies have identified Oregon's coastal wetlands as priority areas for conservation, and in some cases have specifically singled out nontidal (mostly palustrine) wetlands as a major concern. Recent research has highlighted the need to study and manage wetlands from a regional perspective that considers the distribution of wetlands within the framework of watersheds and ecoregions. Public planning and awareness of coastal palustrine wetlands has been limited by their small size and the lack of digital National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) coverage in the upper reaches of coastal watersheds where many are located. This research was designed to test hypotheses about physiographic and derived topographic variables associated with mapped palustrine wetlands. The study assumed that certain variables were more significant than others in characterizing these wetlands, and sought to identify relationships among variables that were indicative of wetland distributions across watersheds and ecoregions. A three phase approach was demonstrated for characterizing palustrine wetland size and degree of isolation that included designing an enhanced NWI geodatabase of palustrine wetland polygons, creating watershed profiles and wetland demographic statistics, and analyzing the data using exploratory data analysis in the form of decision tree modeling. This study confirmed the ability to provide information on the geographical distributions and relationships existing among environmental variables and mapped wetland polygons. An enhanced understanding of these characteristics has applications for conservation planning including sustainable wetland creation and restoration. Title: Characterizing patterns of wetland occurrence in Oregon using an interactive geodatabase : a method for conservation planning Author: Larsen, Jennifer (Jennifer Elizabeth) Several state and federal agencies have identified Oregon's coastal wetlands as priority areas for conservation, and in some cases have specifically singled out nontidal (mostly palustrine) wetlands as a major concern. Recent research has highlighted the need to study and manage wetlands from a regional perspective that considers the distribution of wetlands within the framework of watersheds and ecoregions. Public planning and awareness of coastal palustrine wetlands has been limited by their small size and the lack of digital National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) coverage in the upper reaches of coastal watersheds where many are located. This research was designed to test hypotheses about physiographic and derived topographic variables associated with mapped palustrine wetlands. The study assumed that certain variables were more significant than others in characterizing these wetlands, and sought to identify relationships among variables that were indicative of wetland distributions across watersheds and ecoregions. A three phase approach was demonstrated for characterizing palustrine wetland size and degree of isolation that included designing an enhanced NWI geodatabase of palustrine wetland polygons, creating watershed profiles and wetland demographic statistics, and analyzing the data using exploratory data analysis in the form of decision tree modeling. This study confirmed the ability to provide information on the geographical distributions and relationships existing among environmental variables and mapped wetland polygons. An enhanced understanding of these characteristics has applications for conservation planning including sustainable wetland creation and restoration. Close

• 33. [Article] The ecological legacy of Indian burning practices in southwestern Oregon

  Two research questions are posed: (1) How have ecosystem conditions changed through time in southwestern Oregon? (2) How have culture-driven and climate-driven processes contributed to ecosystem change ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The ecological legacy of Indian burning practices in southwestern Oregon Author: Carloni, Kenneth R. Two research questions are posed: (1) How have ecosystem conditions changed through time in southwestern Oregon? (2) How have culture-driven and climate-driven processes contributed to ecosystem change in southwestern Oregon? A brief introduction to the Little River study area is followed by a cultural and ecological history of the watershed. Historical, ecological and archaeological data are used to describe shifts in landscape structure, stand structure and fire behavior. Changes in corridor/patch/matrix relationships, increases in stand densities, and changes in stand age and species structure are documented, and changes in fire dynamics from frequent to infrequent, and small to large are corroborated with descriptive statistics from the nearby 2002 Umpqua Fires. Hypotheses are then proposed to test the relative influence of humans vs. climate on landscape change during Aboriginal (<1820) vs. Euroagrarian (1850-1950) cultural phases. While precipitation shows no correlation with fire frequency or tree recruitment before 1820, significant associations are observed from 1850 to 1950. Moreover, a significant correlation exists between fire frequency and subsequent tree recruitment after 1850, but is not observed during aboriginal times. This suggests that indigenous management fires may have obscured precipitation influences that become apparent only after 1850. In order to test spatial hypotheses concerning the associations between indigenous humans and the landscape, archaeological sites were digitized into a GIS, and ergonomic pathways were modeled between them. These maps are then compared to historically fire-maintained upland meadows interpreted from 1946 aerial photos. A significant spatial correlation was found between archaeological sites and historic meadows, and a highly significant spatial correlation was found between modeled travel networks and historic meadows. The close spatial association between cultural features and fire-maintained habitats again suggests active landscape management by local Indians. These associations are corroborated with historical records. After summarizing the shifts in ecological conditions and describing current conditions, I argue that while restoring the landscape to aboriginal conditions is no longer possible, emulating those conditions within the framework of the Little River Adaptive Management Area Plan can improve the resilience and productivity of the Little River watershed. Title: The ecological legacy of Indian burning practices in southwestern Oregon Author: Carloni, Kenneth R. Two research questions are posed: (1) How have ecosystem conditions changed through time in southwestern Oregon? (2) How have culture-driven and climate-driven processes contributed to ecosystem change in southwestern Oregon? A brief introduction to the Little River study area is followed by a cultural and ecological history of the watershed. Historical, ecological and archaeological data are used to describe shifts in landscape structure, stand structure and fire behavior. Changes in corridor/patch/matrix relationships, increases in stand densities, and changes in stand age and species structure are documented, and changes in fire dynamics from frequent to infrequent, and small to large are corroborated with descriptive statistics from the nearby 2002 Umpqua Fires. Hypotheses are then proposed to test the relative influence of humans vs. climate on landscape change during Aboriginal (<1820) vs. Euroagrarian (1850-1950) cultural phases. While precipitation shows no correlation with fire frequency or tree recruitment before 1820, significant associations are observed from 1850 to 1950. Moreover, a significant correlation exists between fire frequency and subsequent tree recruitment after 1850, but is not observed during aboriginal times. This suggests that indigenous management fires may have obscured precipitation influences that become apparent only after 1850. In order to test spatial hypotheses concerning the associations between indigenous humans and the landscape, archaeological sites were digitized into a GIS, and ergonomic pathways were modeled between them. These maps are then compared to historically fire-maintained upland meadows interpreted from 1946 aerial photos. A significant spatial correlation was found between archaeological sites and historic meadows, and a highly significant spatial correlation was found between modeled travel networks and historic meadows. The close spatial association between cultural features and fire-maintained habitats again suggests active landscape management by local Indians. These associations are corroborated with historical records. After summarizing the shifts in ecological conditions and describing current conditions, I argue that while restoring the landscape to aboriginal conditions is no longer possible, emulating those conditions within the framework of the Little River Adaptive Management Area Plan can improve the resilience and productivity of the Little River watershed. Close

• 34. [Article] Movement and demography of larval coastal giant salamanders (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) in streams with culverts in the Oregon Coast Range

  Barriers to the movement of aquatic organisms can increase the genetic and spatial isolation of populations and may decrease the viability of these regional populations. Focus on culvert passage issues ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Movement and demography of larval coastal giant salamanders (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) in streams with culverts in the Oregon Coast Range Author: Sagar, Jina P. Barriers to the movement of aquatic organisms can increase the genetic and spatial isolation of populations and may decrease the viability of these regional populations. Focus on culvert passage issues has increased as federal agencies attempt to inventory and replace road-crossing stream culverts that are barriers to the movement of anadromous fish. However, the effect of road-crossing culverts on the movement of other aquatic organisms is not known. The coastal giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) is an important component of headwater stream communities and their movement may be affected by culverts in the larval aquatic stage. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of road-crossing culverts on the movement and survival of larval coastal giant salamanders in the Oregon Coast Range. We conducted a mark-recapture study on larval D. tenebrosus 3rd and 4th order streams to: i) determine culvert use and passage by design type (pipe and arch types) relative to reference stream reaches without culverts; and ii) model larval survival and growth by season, age and culvert presence. We assessed the movement of over 2,000 larval D. tenebrosus in 14 streams and found that larvae were highly sedentary. Mean movement distances did not differ with culvert presence. However, a small portion of larvae (20%) moved sufficient distances to assess culvert passage. Larvae moved less frequently through stream reaches with culverts than stream reaches without culverts, suggesting a barrier effect. There was less upstream movement through pipe culverts than arch culverts. Also, there were lower larval densities in pipe culverts, indicating arch culverts provided more larval habitat. Larval density both inside culverts and in the adjacent stream reaches was associated with the presence of large substrates, which may be important in facilitating larval D. tenebrosus movement through culverts. Stream reaches with culverts were associated with higher levels of fine sediments, however, which may reduce the suitability of near-culvert habitats. Survival estimates indicated high selection pressure early in the larval period. Apparent survival was lower in summer, and for first-year larvae in comparison to second/third-year larvae. Larval survival for both age groups was lower in reaches of stream with culverts although this effect was weak. Culvert effects on movement of coastal giant salamander aquatic larvae indicate they can operate as barriers but their effect on survival remains unclear. Culvert replacements that simulate both the natural stream bed and hydraulic conditions would help provide both habitat and passage opportunities for larval D. tenebrosus. Title: Movement and demography of larval coastal giant salamanders (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) in streams with culverts in the Oregon Coast Range Author: Sagar, Jina P. Barriers to the movement of aquatic organisms can increase the genetic and spatial isolation of populations and may decrease the viability of these regional populations. Focus on culvert passage issues has increased as federal agencies attempt to inventory and replace road-crossing stream culverts that are barriers to the movement of anadromous fish. However, the effect of road-crossing culverts on the movement of other aquatic organisms is not known. The coastal giant salamander (Dicamptodon tenebrosus) is an important component of headwater stream communities and their movement may be affected by culverts in the larval aquatic stage. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of road-crossing culverts on the movement and survival of larval coastal giant salamanders in the Oregon Coast Range. We conducted a mark-recapture study on larval D. tenebrosus 3rd and 4th order streams to: i) determine culvert use and passage by design type (pipe and arch types) relative to reference stream reaches without culverts; and ii) model larval survival and growth by season, age and culvert presence. We assessed the movement of over 2,000 larval D. tenebrosus in 14 streams and found that larvae were highly sedentary. Mean movement distances did not differ with culvert presence. However, a small portion of larvae (20%) moved sufficient distances to assess culvert passage. Larvae moved less frequently through stream reaches with culverts than stream reaches without culverts, suggesting a barrier effect. There was less upstream movement through pipe culverts than arch culverts. Also, there were lower larval densities in pipe culverts, indicating arch culverts provided more larval habitat. Larval density both inside culverts and in the adjacent stream reaches was associated with the presence of large substrates, which may be important in facilitating larval D. tenebrosus movement through culverts. Stream reaches with culverts were associated with higher levels of fine sediments, however, which may reduce the suitability of near-culvert habitats. Survival estimates indicated high selection pressure early in the larval period. Apparent survival was lower in summer, and for first-year larvae in comparison to second/third-year larvae. Larval survival for both age groups was lower in reaches of stream with culverts although this effect was weak. Culvert effects on movement of coastal giant salamander aquatic larvae indicate they can operate as barriers but their effect on survival remains unclear. Culvert replacements that simulate both the natural stream bed and hydraulic conditions would help provide both habitat and passage opportunities for larval D. tenebrosus. Close

• 35. [Article] Prediction of peak flows for culvert design on small watersheds in Oregon

  Forest engineers must frequently make flood frequency estimates for very small watersheds when designing culvert installations. Empirical formulae and simplified rainfall runoff models, the most commonly ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Prediction of peak flows for culvert design on small watersheds in Oregon Author: Campbell, Alan J. Forest engineers must frequently make flood frequency estimates for very small watersheds when designing culvert installations. Empirical formulae and simplified rainfall runoff models, the most commonly used techniques to predict floods from very small watersheds, require considerable engineering judgement to give reasonable results. As an alternative to such methods, this study presents equations to predict peak flows on small watersheds in Oregon. The equations were developed from 80 watersheds ranging in size from 0.21 to 10.60 square miles. Oregon was divided into six physiographic regions based on previous flood frequency studies. In each region, annual peak flow data from gaging stations with more than 20 years of record were analyzed using four flood frequency distributions (Gumbel, two-parameter log-normal, three-parameter log-normal, log Pearson type III). The log Pearson type III distribution was found to be suitable for use in all regions of the state, based on the chi-square goodness of fit test. Flood magnitudes having recurrence intervals of 10, 25, 50, and 100 years were related to physical and climatic indices of drainage basins by multiple regression analysis. Drainage basin area (A) was the most important variable in explaining the variation of flood peaks in all regions. Mean basin elevation (E) and mean annual precipitation (P) were also significantly related to flood peaks in two regions in western Oregon. The following equations to predict the 25-year flood were developed for each physiographic region in Oregon: (1) Willamette region Q₂₅ = 156A·⁸⁰ (2) Coast region Q₂₅ = 6.31A¹⁰¹E·⁵¹ (3) Cascade region Q₂₅ = .O32A⁴⁴P¹·⁹⁷ (4) Rogue-Umpqua region Q₂₅ = l63A·⁷⁷ (5) Blue-Wallowa region Q₂₅ = 67.6A·⁴⁷ Title: Prediction of peak flows for culvert design on small watersheds in Oregon Author: Campbell, Alan J. Forest engineers must frequently make flood frequency estimates for very small watersheds when designing culvert installations. Empirical formulae and simplified rainfall runoff models, the most commonly used techniques to predict floods from very small watersheds, require considerable engineering judgement to give reasonable results. As an alternative to such methods, this study presents equations to predict peak flows on small watersheds in Oregon. The equations were developed from 80 watersheds ranging in size from 0.21 to 10.60 square miles. Oregon was divided into six physiographic regions based on previous flood frequency studies. In each region, annual peak flow data from gaging stations with more than 20 years of record were analyzed using four flood frequency distributions (Gumbel, two-parameter log-normal, three-parameter log-normal, log Pearson type III). The log Pearson type III distribution was found to be suitable for use in all regions of the state, based on the chi-square goodness of fit test. Flood magnitudes having recurrence intervals of 10, 25, 50, and 100 years were related to physical and climatic indices of drainage basins by multiple regression analysis. Drainage basin area (A) was the most important variable in explaining the variation of flood peaks in all regions. Mean basin elevation (E) and mean annual precipitation (P) were also significantly related to flood peaks in two regions in western Oregon. The following equations to predict the 25-year flood were developed for each physiographic region in Oregon: (1) Willamette region Q₂₅ = 156A·⁸⁰ (2) Coast region Q₂₅ = 6.31A¹⁰¹E·⁵¹ (3) Cascade region Q₂₅ = .O32A⁴⁴P¹·⁹⁷ (4) Rogue-Umpqua region Q₂₅ = l63A·⁷⁷ (5) Blue-Wallowa region Q₂₅ = 67.6A·⁴⁷ Close

• 36. [Article] Distribution, abundance, and emigration of juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and analysis of stream habitat in the Steamboat Creek Basin, Oregon

  Snorkel dive estimates and an inventory of stream habitat of the juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population in the Steamboat Creek basin were made in the summers of 1987 and 1988. Emigration was monitored ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Distribution, abundance, and emigration of juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and analysis of stream habitat in the Steamboat Creek Basin, Oregon Author: Dambacher, Jeffrey M. Snorkel dive estimates and an inventory of stream habitat of the juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population in the Steamboat Creek basin were made in the summers of 1987 and 1988. Emigration was monitored by fish trapping from spring through fall of 1988. Distribution, abundance, and habitat utilization of juvenile steelhead were affected by stream size and temperature. The majority (65%) of age >1 fish were in two mainstem channels, whereas numbers of age 0 fish were more evenly distributed throughout the basin. Age >1 fish significantly (P<O.005) increased their use of riffles with depth, and avoided shallow riffles. Where riffles were apparently too shallow, age >1 steelhead utilized pool habitat to a greater extent. Age >1 steelhead greatly avoided glides in all sizes of channels. Age 0 steelhead appeared to be less restricted in their choice of habitat than age >1 fish. Age 0 fish, presumably by virtue of a smaller body size, showed only slightly increased use of riffles with depth. Both age 0 and >1 steelhead increased their use of riffles in streams with higher temperature regimes. Densities of age >1 fish in channels with large boulder substrate increased significantly (p=O.02) with mean riffle depth, probably as a function of more wetted area being useable in streams with deep riffles, and more feeding microhabitats being afforded by rough channels. Densities of age 0 fish did not appear to be affected by the range of stream sizes studied, or by channel roughness, but were low in all channels with high stream temperatures. Compared to other steelhead producing streams, Steamboat Creek had low summer rearing densities, small smolts, and an exceptionally high proportion of fish emigrating as parr (considered to be at least one year away from development of smolt characteristics). Roughly 120,000 age 0 steelhead, 60,000 parr, and 4,100 steelhead smolts were estimated to have emigrated from the basin. Most parr emigrated in the spring when stream flows were high, whereas the majority of age 0 fish emigrated during summer base flow recession. I suggest that parr emigration from Steamboat Creek may be a life history adaptation that takes advantage of rearing conditions downstream in the North Umpqua River. Title: Distribution, abundance, and emigration of juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and analysis of stream habitat in the Steamboat Creek Basin, Oregon Author: Dambacher, Jeffrey M. Snorkel dive estimates and an inventory of stream habitat of the juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population in the Steamboat Creek basin were made in the summers of 1987 and 1988. Emigration was monitored by fish trapping from spring through fall of 1988. Distribution, abundance, and habitat utilization of juvenile steelhead were affected by stream size and temperature. The majority (65%) of age >1 fish were in two mainstem channels, whereas numbers of age 0 fish were more evenly distributed throughout the basin. Age >1 fish significantly (P<O.005) increased their use of riffles with depth, and avoided shallow riffles. Where riffles were apparently too shallow, age >1 steelhead utilized pool habitat to a greater extent. Age >1 steelhead greatly avoided glides in all sizes of channels. Age 0 steelhead appeared to be less restricted in their choice of habitat than age >1 fish. Age 0 fish, presumably by virtue of a smaller body size, showed only slightly increased use of riffles with depth. Both age 0 and >1 steelhead increased their use of riffles in streams with higher temperature regimes. Densities of age >1 fish in channels with large boulder substrate increased significantly (p=O.02) with mean riffle depth, probably as a function of more wetted area being useable in streams with deep riffles, and more feeding microhabitats being afforded by rough channels. Densities of age 0 fish did not appear to be affected by the range of stream sizes studied, or by channel roughness, but were low in all channels with high stream temperatures. Compared to other steelhead producing streams, Steamboat Creek had low summer rearing densities, small smolts, and an exceptionally high proportion of fish emigrating as parr (considered to be at least one year away from development of smolt characteristics). Roughly 120,000 age 0 steelhead, 60,000 parr, and 4,100 steelhead smolts were estimated to have emigrated from the basin. Most parr emigrated in the spring when stream flows were high, whereas the majority of age 0 fish emigrated during summer base flow recession. I suggest that parr emigration from Steamboat Creek may be a life history adaptation that takes advantage of rearing conditions downstream in the North Umpqua River. Close

• 37. [Article] Effects of wildfire on growth and demographics of coastal cutthroat trout in headwater streams

  Wildfire is a largely terrestrial perturbation broadly recognized as an agent of disturbance and ecological change in forested biomes. Effects of post-fire conditions on biotic components of aquatic systems ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of wildfire on growth and demographics of coastal cutthroat trout in headwater streams Author: Heck, Michael P. Wildfire is a largely terrestrial perturbation broadly recognized as an agent of disturbance and ecological change in forested biomes. Effects of post-fire conditions on biotic components of aquatic systems have been less well-documented, although hypothetically, the two are strongly connected. In fact, the influence of wildfire may be most profound in headwater streams because of the tight linkage between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We sought to understand the influence of post-fire conditions on fish in headwater streams by observing growth and demographics of coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) following wildfire. During the summer of 2002, wildfire burned portions of three headwater watersheds in the North Umpqua basin of western Oregon. Burn severities ranged from moderate to severe. A reference stream was selected from a nearby fourth watershed. All fish-bearing portions of the stream network in the four watersheds were surveyed for 3 years following the wildfire, and 1,295 scale samples were collected from coastal cutthroat trout for age and growth analysis. Stream temperatures in the burned watersheds changed significantly following the wildfire (p < 0.016), with increases of up to 23% in the most severely burned watershed. During summer electrofishing surveys in the burned watersheds, both young-of-the-year and fish ≥ age 1 were captured; in the unburned watershed, the vast majority of fish captured were ≥ age 1. Age-frequency analyses revealed that fish in older age classes (age ≥ 3) were more prevalent in the unburned watershed than in the burned watersheds. Relative growth rates and length at last annulus formation of coastal cutthroat trout were positively related to the number of degree days during the growing season, and Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.60 (p < 0.07) to 0.90 (p < 0.01). Growth rates and size of fish were not significantly correlated with relative density of fish (p ≥ 0.14). Contrary to the commonly held assumption that wildfire is detrimental to biota in aquatic systems, these results suggest that in the short term (≤ 3 years), fish in the study streams adjusted to environmental change caused by wildfire. Title: Effects of wildfire on growth and demographics of coastal cutthroat trout in headwater streams Author: Heck, Michael P. Wildfire is a largely terrestrial perturbation broadly recognized as an agent of disturbance and ecological change in forested biomes. Effects of post-fire conditions on biotic components of aquatic systems have been less well-documented, although hypothetically, the two are strongly connected. In fact, the influence of wildfire may be most profound in headwater streams because of the tight linkage between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. We sought to understand the influence of post-fire conditions on fish in headwater streams by observing growth and demographics of coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) following wildfire. During the summer of 2002, wildfire burned portions of three headwater watersheds in the North Umpqua basin of western Oregon. Burn severities ranged from moderate to severe. A reference stream was selected from a nearby fourth watershed. All fish-bearing portions of the stream network in the four watersheds were surveyed for 3 years following the wildfire, and 1,295 scale samples were collected from coastal cutthroat trout for age and growth analysis. Stream temperatures in the burned watersheds changed significantly following the wildfire (p < 0.016), with increases of up to 23% in the most severely burned watershed. During summer electrofishing surveys in the burned watersheds, both young-of-the-year and fish ≥ age 1 were captured; in the unburned watershed, the vast majority of fish captured were ≥ age 1. Age-frequency analyses revealed that fish in older age classes (age ≥ 3) were more prevalent in the unburned watershed than in the burned watersheds. Relative growth rates and length at last annulus formation of coastal cutthroat trout were positively related to the number of degree days during the growing season, and Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.60 (p < 0.07) to 0.90 (p < 0.01). Growth rates and size of fish were not significantly correlated with relative density of fish (p ≥ 0.14). Contrary to the commonly held assumption that wildfire is detrimental to biota in aquatic systems, these results suggest that in the short term (≤ 3 years), fish in the study streams adjusted to environmental change caused by wildfire. Close

• 38. [Article] Thirty-five years of forest succession in southwest Oregon : vegetation response to three distinct logging treatments

  This study examined patterns and controls on 35-years of forest succession following logging in the 236 ha South Umpqua Experimental Forest within the Umpqua National Forest in southwestern Oregon. Prior ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Thirty-five years of forest succession in southwest Oregon : vegetation response to three distinct logging treatments Author: Arthur, Aaron Stone This study examined patterns and controls on 35-years of forest succession following logging in the 236 ha South Umpqua Experimental Forest within the Umpqua National Forest in southwestern Oregon. Prior to logging, the overstory in all three watersheds (~50% cover) was composed of Douglas-fir (30-40% cover), grand fir (2 to 10% cover), incense cedar (2-4% cover), western hemlock (1-2 % cover), sugar pine (1-2% cover), ponderosa pine (0-1% cover), and madrone (0-1% cover). The sapling cover in all three watersheds (30-35% cover) was dominated by grand fir (15-20%), western hemlock (6-8% cover) incense cedar (3-5% cover), and Douglas-fir (3-5% cover), with <1% cover by the other tree species. In 1971, the overstory of the four watersheds received: WS-1 (69.2 ha) a 50% basal area removal (shelterwood); WS-2 (68.4 ha) 30% in 20 small clearcuts; WS-3 (49.8 ha) 100% clearcut; WS-4 (48.6 ha) uncut control. Prior to treatment, tree, shrub, and herb cover in WS 1-3 (n = 50 plots) was visually estimated using the reconnaissance survey method, but only WS 2-3 annually through 1981 (n = 39 plots). In 2006, plots were relocated and new plots added, and resurveyed (n = 77 plots). Plots were classified by environmental (aspect, slope, soil series, vegetation community) and disturbance factors (treatment, logging method, in-watershed location, and soil disturbance). Vegetation was classed into three groups: (1) vegetation structures; (2) overstory species; and (3) residual and invader understory species. Total vegetation cover decreased slightly over the 35-year period, with a slight decrease in shrubs, saplings, and herbs, and an increase in overstory tree cover in 2006 compared to 1971. Few statistically significant differences were observed in vegetation cover change according to environmental variables. However heavily disturbed sites were characterized by low shrub cover and high overstory cover, compared to lightly disturbed sites. These differences were still apparent 35 years after logging. Between 1971 and 2006 in WS-2 and WS-3, Douglas fir, incense cedar and ponderosa pine cover significantly increased, while other overstory species declined. In contrast, over the same period in WS-1, there was a significant change in grand fir and western hemlock cover. Sapling cover of all species stayed constant or declined in all watersheds, except Douglas-fir and western hemlock, which increased in WS-1 only. In the post-logging period, cover of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover was significantly higher on moderately and heavily disturbed plots compared to lightly disturbed plots. Before logging, residual species cover was significantly higher than invader species cover. Disturbance appeared to have the greatest effect upon the residual-invader species relationship. Residual species maintained higher cover on lightly disturbed plots, compared to invader species cover, which was highest on moderately and heavily disturbed plots. All species declined in WS-2 and WS-3 following stem exclusion. Overall patterns of tree, shrub, and herb cover succession over the 35-year post-logging period were consistent with the expected effects of clearcutting versus thinning on light levels and their interactions with known shade tolerances of tree species. Additionally, results were consistent with previously documented site disturbance effects on regeneration of residual and invader species, and shrub-tree competition and regeneration. These results permit prediction of the likely consequences for these 35-yr-old forest stands, and the thinned mature forest, of future, planned thinning treatments. Title: Thirty-five years of forest succession in southwest Oregon : vegetation response to three distinct logging treatments Author: Arthur, Aaron Stone This study examined patterns and controls on 35-years of forest succession following logging in the 236 ha South Umpqua Experimental Forest within the Umpqua National Forest in southwestern Oregon. Prior to logging, the overstory in all three watersheds (~50% cover) was composed of Douglas-fir (30-40% cover), grand fir (2 to 10% cover), incense cedar (2-4% cover), western hemlock (1-2 % cover), sugar pine (1-2% cover), ponderosa pine (0-1% cover), and madrone (0-1% cover). The sapling cover in all three watersheds (30-35% cover) was dominated by grand fir (15-20%), western hemlock (6-8% cover) incense cedar (3-5% cover), and Douglas-fir (3-5% cover), with <1% cover by the other tree species. In 1971, the overstory of the four watersheds received: WS-1 (69.2 ha) a 50% basal area removal (shelterwood); WS-2 (68.4 ha) 30% in 20 small clearcuts; WS-3 (49.8 ha) 100% clearcut; WS-4 (48.6 ha) uncut control. Prior to treatment, tree, shrub, and herb cover in WS 1-3 (n = 50 plots) was visually estimated using the reconnaissance survey method, but only WS 2-3 annually through 1981 (n = 39 plots). In 2006, plots were relocated and new plots added, and resurveyed (n = 77 plots). Plots were classified by environmental (aspect, slope, soil series, vegetation community) and disturbance factors (treatment, logging method, in-watershed location, and soil disturbance). Vegetation was classed into three groups: (1) vegetation structures; (2) overstory species; and (3) residual and invader understory species. Total vegetation cover decreased slightly over the 35-year period, with a slight decrease in shrubs, saplings, and herbs, and an increase in overstory tree cover in 2006 compared to 1971. Few statistically significant differences were observed in vegetation cover change according to environmental variables. However heavily disturbed sites were characterized by low shrub cover and high overstory cover, compared to lightly disturbed sites. These differences were still apparent 35 years after logging. Between 1971 and 2006 in WS-2 and WS-3, Douglas fir, incense cedar and ponderosa pine cover significantly increased, while other overstory species declined. In contrast, over the same period in WS-1, there was a significant change in grand fir and western hemlock cover. Sapling cover of all species stayed constant or declined in all watersheds, except Douglas-fir and western hemlock, which increased in WS-1 only. In the post-logging period, cover of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover was significantly higher on moderately and heavily disturbed plots compared to lightly disturbed plots. Before logging, residual species cover was significantly higher than invader species cover. Disturbance appeared to have the greatest effect upon the residual-invader species relationship. Residual species maintained higher cover on lightly disturbed plots, compared to invader species cover, which was highest on moderately and heavily disturbed plots. All species declined in WS-2 and WS-3 following stem exclusion. Overall patterns of tree, shrub, and herb cover succession over the 35-year post-logging period were consistent with the expected effects of clearcutting versus thinning on light levels and their interactions with known shade tolerances of tree species. Additionally, results were consistent with previously documented site disturbance effects on regeneration of residual and invader species, and shrub-tree competition and regeneration. These results permit prediction of the likely consequences for these 35-yr-old forest stands, and the thinned mature forest, of future, planned thinning treatments. Close

• 39. [Article] North Umpqua River (below Soda Springs Dam) fish management plan

  "The fish management plan for the North Umpqua River system (below Soda Springs Dam) is designed to promote effective management of the fish resources in that river. It is prepared to inform interested ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: North Umpqua River (below Soda Springs Dam) fish management plan Author: Anderson, David M., Oregon. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife "The fish management plan for the North Umpqua River system (below Soda Springs Dam) is designed to promote effective management of the fish resources in that river. It is prepared to inform interested citizens and agencies of management objectives and promote their input in choosing the appropriate courses of action. This plan will eventually merge with the South Umpqua and Smith River plans to form one Umpqua plan. When accepted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, the plan will direct fishery decisions on the North Umpqua." (From Introduction) Title: North Umpqua River (below Soda Springs Dam) fish management plan Author: Anderson, David M., Oregon. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife "The fish management plan for the North Umpqua River system (below Soda Springs Dam) is designed to promote effective management of the fish resources in that river. It is prepared to inform interested citizens and agencies of management objectives and promote their input in choosing the appropriate courses of action. This plan will eventually merge with the South Umpqua and Smith River plans to form one Umpqua plan. When accepted by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, the plan will direct fishery decisions on the North Umpqua." (From Introduction) Close

• 40. [Article] Wolf Creek Monitoring

  Presented at The Oregon Water Conference, May 24-25, 2011, Corvallis, OR.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Wolf Creek Monitoring Author: Dammann, Daniel Presented at The Oregon Water Conference, May 24-25, 2011, Corvallis, OR. Title: Wolf Creek Monitoring Author: Dammann, Daniel Presented at The Oregon Water Conference, May 24-25, 2011, Corvallis, OR. Close