DOCSLIB.ORG

The Role of Large Woody Debris in Rocky Reach Reservoir

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Role of Large Woody Debris in Rocky Reach Reservoir THE ROLE OF LARGE WOODY DEBRIS IN ROCKY REACH RESERVOIR First-Draft ROCKY REACH HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT FERC Project No. 2145 November 9, 2000 Prepared by: BioAnalysts, Inc. Boise, Idaho Prepared for: Public Utility District No. 1 of Chelan County Wenatchee, Washington Large Woody Debris TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 1 SECTION 2: SOURCE OF LARGE WOODY DEBRIS............................................................ 3 SECTION 3: FUNCTION OF LARGE WOODY DEBRIS......................................................... 5 3.1 Submerged Large Woody Debris .................................................................................................................. 5 3.2 Floating Large Woody Debris ....................................................................................................................... 6 3.3 Large Woody Debris on the Floodplain ........................................................................................................ 7 SECTION 4: SUMMARY........................................................................................................... 9 SECTION 5: REFERENCES .................................................................................................. 11 Draft Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 November 9, 2000 Page i SS/2486 Large Woody Debris SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION Large woody debris (LWD) is an important component of aquatic ecosystems (Harmon et al. 1986; Maser and Sedell 1994; Gurnell et al. 1995). LWD provides physical structure that aquatic organisms use as habitat, and it alters water movements and hydrological processes (Triska and Cromack 1980; Franklin et al. 1981; Harmon et al. 1986; Maser and Sedell 1994). LWD affects the flow of organic matter from terrestrial ecosystems into surface waters (Franklin et al. 1981), and the transport of organic materials within aquatic ecosystems (Beschta 1979; Bilby and Ward 1991). The balance among inputs, decomposition rates, and removal processes determines the biomass of LWD inputs in freshwaters. Climate, soils, stream flow rates, stream gradient, topography (geomorphology), forest age, forest density, and community composition collectively determine the distribution and abundance of LWD in aquatic ecosystems (Harmon et al. 1986; Harmon and Chen 1991; Tyrrell and Crow 1994). Although LWD performs several essential functions in streams and rivers, the relative importance of each function varies with stream size. In small, steep headwater streams (first and second-order streams), LWD tends to dominate hydraulic processes by increasing the frequency and volume of pools, decreasing the effective streambed gradient, and increasing the retention of organic material and nutrients within the system (Bisson et al. 1987). In mid-order streams, LWD functions primarily to increase channel complexity and flow heterogeneity by anchoring the position of pools along the thalweg, creating backwater along the stream margin, causing lateral migration of the channel, and increasing depth variability (Maser et al. 1988). Another important function of LWD in mid-order streams includes the retention of carcasses and organic detritus, which provide nutrients to the biota within the stream and in the adjacent riparian area (Bilby et al. 1996; Cederholm et al. 1999). The function of LWD in high-order streams is less understood; however, historical records indicate that large debris jams once played a major role in floodplain and channel development on large rivers (Sedell and Luchessa 1981). In these high-order streams, LWD increased channel complexity by creating side channels, backwaters, and ponds, as well as refugia for aquatic organisms during winter storm events. LWD also trapped sediments on floodplains and in riparian zones during high flows. Schuett-Hames et al. (1994) describe three types of LWD: logs, rootwads, and large debris jams. To qualify as a log, a piece of wood must have a root system that is wholly or partially detached and is no longer capable of supporting the log’s weight. The wood must have a diameter of at least 10 cm for at least 2 m of its length. A root wad is defined as a piece of wood less than 2-m long (except for old-growth stumps), with a root system attached. It must be at least 20-cm diameter at the base of the stem where it meets the roots. The latter must be detached from their original position. A large debris jam is defined as an accumulation of 10 or more logs or rootwads in contact with one another. At Rocky Reach Dam, one could define LWD as any piece of wood that does not pass through the trash rack. Here, I follow the definition presented in Schuett-Hames et al. (1994). This paper investigates the source, function, and fate of LWD in the Rocky Reach Reservoir, emphasizing the function of LWD in the reservoir. Because there is virtually no information on LWD in Rocky Reach Reservoir, I draw on information from other systems, and rely mostly on Draft Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 November 9, 2000 Page 1 SS/2486 Large Woody Debris studies that examined the function of LWD in lakes. I found no studies that described the function of LWD in reservoirs of “run-of-the-river” hydroelectric projects. The Rocky Reach Natural Sciences Working Group will use this report to either formulate management decisions and plans or to recommend additional studies. Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 Draft Study Report SS/2486 Page 2 November 9, 2000 Large Woody Debris SECTION 2: SOURCE OF LARGE WOODY DEBRIS Large wood enters streams and rivers through two different pathways: (1) the steady toppling of trees as they die or are undercut by streamflow, and (2) catastrophic inputs associated with windstorms, mass failures, and debris torrents (Bisson et al. 1987; Cummins et al. 1994). Beavers (Castor canadensis) also contribute wood to streams (Maser and Sedell 1994). In addition, land management activities, such as logging and clearing, can influence the amount of wood entering streams. Once in the channel, LWD can either move downstream or stay in the channel or on the floodplain. Stream flows, size of the wood, and channel morphology determine whether the wood is transported or retained. In general, the larger the size of the wood, the greater its stability in the channel, since higher flows are needed to displace larger pieces (Bilby and Ward 1989). Wood enters the Rocky Reach project area from the riparian vegetation along the reservoir and from upstream locations. I found no estimates of the amount of LWD recruited annually to the project area. Whatever the total amount is, it would appear that riparian vegetation along the reservoir provides only a small fraction. Riparian vegetation occurs only intermittently along the margins of the reservoir and consists of grasses, forbs, shrubs, and deciduous trees (CPUD 1991). Generally, only trees provide a source of LWD. CPUD (1991) indicated that riparian vegetation types represent only about 40% of the shoreline. Presently, riparian vegetation types represent more than 40% of the shoreline, although the total amount is unknown (S. Hays, CPUD, personal communication). Therefore, the majority of the LWD recruited to the project area likely enters from upstream sources, such as the Entiat River and wood that passes Wells Dam. Until recently, large rafts of driftwood passed Wells Dam into Rocky Reach Reservoir. Currently, however, Douglas PUD mechanically removes a large fraction of the driftwood at their project (R. Klinge, DPUD, personal communication). Thus, the amount of LWD entering the project area from the Columbia River upstream from Wells Dam is relatively small. Once in the reservoir, LWD can become submerged in littoral1 areas or at the bottom of the reservoir, float at or near the water surface, strand on the floodplain, or pass through the dam. 1 The littoral zone extends from the shore just above the influence of waves and spray to a depth where light is insufficient for rooted aquatic vegetation (Goldman and Horne 1983). The pelagic zone is the deep-water area that extends beyond the littoral zone. Draft Study Report Rocky Reach Project No. 2145 November 9, 2000 Page 3 SS/2486 Large Woody Debris SECTION 3: FUNCTION OF LARGE WOODY DEBRIS LWD in aquatic systems can affect nutrient cycling and production, and provide refuges from predation (Wege and Anderson 1979; Lynch and Johnson 1989; Christensen et al. 1996). In lakes and reservoirs, it appears that both small- and large-scale processes affect the biological and physical functions of LWD (Maser and Sedell 1994). Small-scale processes control how LWD decomposes. In water, wood decomposes more slowly than on land because water-logging prevents oxygen from penetrating deeply into the wood (Harmon et al. 1986). Large-scale processes affect how LWD influence flows and channel structure (generally not important in reservoirs), and habitat for fish and invertebrates. Therefore, the function of LWD depends on its location within the reservoir. 3.1 Submerged Large Woody Debris Submerged LWD increases habitat structure, which provides cover and perhaps increases foraging opportunities for fish (Moring et al. 1989). Moring et al. (1986) studied the importance of submerged logs in a Maine reservoir and found that suckers (Catostomus spp.) and shiners (Notemigonus spp.) were attracted to LWD. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens), on the other hand, did not demonstrate a clear preference for LWD. In Rocky Reach
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A New Look at the Quantities and Volumes of Instream Wood in Forested Basins Within Washington State
    A New Look At The Quantities And Volumes of Instream Wood In Forested Basins Within Washington State Martin J. Fox A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science University of Washington 2001 College of Forest Resources University of Washington Graduate School This is to certify that I have examined this copy of a master’s thesis by Martin J. Fox and have found that it is complete and satisfactory on all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the final examining committee have been made. Committee Members: In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Master’s degree at the University of Washington, I agree that the Library shall make its copies freely available for inspection. I further agree that extensive copying of this thesis is allowable only for scholarly purposes, consistent with “fair use” as prescribed in the U.S. Copyright Law. Any other reproduction for any purposes or by any means shall not be allowed without my written permission. University of Washington Abstract A New Look At The Quantities And Volumes of Instream Wood In Forested Basins Within Washington State Martin J. Fox Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Professor Loveday Conquest Aquatic and Fishery Sciences Instream wood is recognized as an important feature linked to channel processes that benefit salmonids. Stream channel assessments and restoration/enhancement efforts often associate salmon habitat quality with the quantity and volume of woody debris. Existing wood targets used to assist resource managers do not adequately account for variations in quantity or volume due to differences in geomorphology, ecoregions, or disturbance regimes.
    [Show full text]
  • Managing Organic Debris for Forest Health Reconciling Fire Hazard, Bark Beetles, Wildlife, and Forest Nutrition Needs
    Managing Organic Debris for Forest Health Reconciling fire hazard, bark beetles, wildlife, and forest nutrition needs Chris Schnepf, Russell T. Graham, Sandy Kegley, and Theresa B. Jain PNW 609 A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication University of Idaho Oregon State University Washington State University Managing Organic Debris for Forest Health Reconciling fire hazard, bark beetles, wildlife, and forest nutrition needs Chris Schnepf, Russell T. Graham, Sandy Kegley, and Theresa B. Jain A Pacific Northwest Extension Publication University of Idaho Oregon State University Washington State University THE AUTHORS COVER PHOTO CHRIS SCHNEPF is an Extension Forester Forest organic debris is important for soil for the University of Idaho based in health. The main photo shows a log in the Coeur d’Alene. He provides educational process of decomposing and adding programs for forest owners, loggers, and structure to the soil. Thumbnail photos others interested in applied forest show organisms that will thrive in an area ecology and silviculture. with healthy forest soil and coarse woody debris: chanterelle mushroom, pileated DR. RUSSELL T. GRAHAM is a research woodpecker, and fisher. forester and silviculturist with the USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research FUNDING Station in Moscow, Idaho. His research Partial funding for this publication was focuses on landscape processes and long- provided by the USDA Forest Service, term forest productivity concentrated on Northern Region State and Private Forestry. management of forest organic materials. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS SANDY KEGLEY is a forest entomologist Thanks to the following people who with the USDA Forest Service, Northern reviewed this publication and provided Region, Coeur d'Alene Field Office. Sandy many constructive comments: is involved in survey, detection, evaluation, Matt Abram, Logger, Hayden, Idaho prevention, and suppression of bark beetles and other major forest insects in northern Janean Creighton, Washington State Idaho and western Montana.
    [Show full text]
  • Wood in Rivers: Interactions with Channel Morphology and Processes
    Geomorphology 51 (2003) 1–5 www.elsevier.com/locate/geomorph Editorial Wood in rivers: interactions with channel morphology and processes No doubt about it, wood complicates fluvial geo- 1978). In the less remote past, late Cenozoic changes morphology. It messes up nice tidy streams, compli- in global vegetation patterns imparted substantial cates quantitative analysis, invalidates convenient variability to the role of wood in world rivers. assumptions, and opens new questions about how Whereas only a few European rivers in small iso- different contemporary channels are from their pristine lated areas of forest refugia would have had signifi- state. It is no coincidence that modern fluvial geo- cant wood loading during the glacial maxima, parts morphology developed through the study of channels of eastern Australia have been continuously forested lacking a substantial load of wood debris (Leopold et for more than 100 million years. In historic times, al., 1964) and there is little mystery as to why geo- humans have reduced global forest cover to about morphologists sought to study rivers or river reaches half its maximum Holocene extent and eliminated all where wood does not exert a significant influence on but a fraction of the world’s aboriginal forests. channel morphology and processes. However, over the Although the net effects of human actions have been past several decades, recognition has grown that wood to homogenize and simplify river systems around the debris significantly and sometimes systematically world, there are still strong regional contrasts in the affects channel processes in forested regions across a geomorphological effects of wood in rivers. wide range of scales from channel roughness and bed- In most industrialized nations, the primeval char- surface grain size (Lisle, 1995; Shields and Gippel, acter of rivers remains shrouded by time because of 1995; Buffington and Montgomery, 1999; Manga and ancient deforestation and river clearing to improve Kirchner, 2000); to creation of in-channel features, navigation before recorded history.
    [Show full text]
  • 2006 Down Woody Material Guide
    2006 LOLO NATIONAL FOREST USDA FOREST SERVICE 2006 Down Woody Material Guide LOLO NATIONAL FOREST Down Woody Material Guide 2006 Revision prepared by: Cathy Stewart, fire ecologist Vick Applegate, silviculturist Brian Riggers, fisheries biologist John Casselli, watershed forester Barb Beckes, forest planner/reviewer Carol Evans, illustrator Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION LOLO DEAD & DOWN HABITAT COMPONENTS GUIDELINES................ 30 WOODY MATERIAL AS A RESOURCE..1 PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES ..........................1 CHAPTER 6 - GUIDELINES FOR RELATIONSHIP TO FOREST PLAN ......2 IMPLEMENTATION...................................... 29 Landscape & Stand Managements ...........2 Floodplain & Floodplain Influence Zone NATIONAL POLICY .....................................3 Management Considerations .................. 33 ECOSYSTEM CLASSIFICATION...............3 CHAPTER 7 - MONITORING & CHAPTER 2 - DISTRIBUTION & DYNAMICS EVALUATION OF WOODY MATERIAL METHODS ..................................................... 35 WOODY MATERIAL ACCUMULATION & Existing Fuel Load................................... 35 DECAY...............................................................5 Future Fuel Loads.................................... 36 DISTURBANCE AGENTS & WOODY GUIDES TO DETERMINE WOODY MATERIAL DYNAMICS...............................8 MATERIAL..................................................... 37 LOLO POST-FIRE FUEL LOADS............10 Fuel Models............................................... 39 SNAG FALL RATES.....................................11
    [Show full text]
  • Coarse Woody Debris Ecology in a Second-Growth Sequoia Sempervirens Forest Stream1
    COARSE WOODY DEBRIS ECOLOGY IN A SECOND-GROWTH SEQUOIA SEMPERVIRENS FOREST STREAM1 Matthew D. O’Connor and Robert R. Ziemer2 Abstract: Coarse woody debris (CWD) contributes to high quality habitat for anadromous fish. CWD vol- Study Area ume, species, and input mechanisms was inventoried in North Fork Caspar Creek to assess rates of accumula- tion and dominant sources of CWD in a 100-year-old The 508-ha North Fork Caspar Creek (Caspar Creek) second-growth red wood (Sequoia sempervirens)forest l watershed, in the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, CWD accumulation in the active stream channel and in Mendocino County, California (fig. 1), was clearcut pools was studied to identify linkages between the for- and burned 90 to 100 years ago. A splash dam was est and fish habitat. CWD accumulates more slowly in constructed in the upper one-third of the watershed, and the active stream channel than on the surrounding for- was periodically breached to transport cut logs. Native est floor. Of CWD in the active channel, 59 percent is runs of steelhead trout (Salmo gardnerii gardnerii) and associated with pools, and 26 percent is in debris jams. coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) utilize the full CWD associated with pools had greater mean length, length of Caspar Creek below the splash dam site. diameter, and volume than CWD not associated with The Caspar Creek watershed is underlain by Francis- pools. The majority of CWD is Douglas-fir (Pseudot- can graywacke sandstone. Slopes are steep and mantled suga menziesii) and grand fir (Abies grandis). CWD with deep soils in which large rotational landslides are entered the stream primarily through bank erosion and common.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity and Coarse Woody Debris in Southern Forests Proceedings of the Workshop on Coarse Woody Debris in Southern Forests: Effects on Biodiversity
    Biodiversity and Coarse woody Debris in Southern Forests Proceedings of the Workshop on Coarse Woody Debris in Southern Forests: Effects on Biodiversity Athens, GA - October 18-20,1993 Biodiversity and Coarse Woody Debris in Southern Forests Proceedings of the Workhop on Coarse Woody Debris in Southern Forests: Effects on Biodiversity Athens, GA October 18-20,1993 Editors: James W. McMinn, USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Athens, GA, and D.A. Crossley, Jr., University of Georgia, Athens, GA Sponsored by: U.S. Department of Energy, Savannah River Site, and the USDA Forest Service, Savannah River Forest Station, Biodiversity Program, Aiken, SC Conducted by: USDA Forest Service, Southem Research Station, Asheville, NC, and University of Georgia, Institute of Ecology, Athens, GA Preface James W. McMinn and D. A. Crossley, Jr. Conservation of biodiversity is emerging as a major goal in The effects of CWD on biodiversity depend upon the management of forest ecosystems. The implied harvesting variables, distribution, and dynamics. This objective is the conservation of a full complement of native proceedings addresses the current state of knowledge about species and communities within the forest ecosystem. the influences of CWD on the biodiversity of various Effective implementation of conservation measures will groups of biota. Research priorities are identified for future require a broader knowledge of the dimensions of studies that should provide a basis for the conservation of biodiversity, the contributions of various ecosystem biodiversity when interacting with appropriate management components to those dimensions, and the impact of techniques. management practices. We thank John Blake, USDA Forest Service, Savannah In a workshop held in Athens, GA, October 18-20, 1993, River Forest Station, for encouragement and support we focused on an ecosystem component, coarse woody throughout the workshop process.
    [Show full text]
  • Supervisor – Riparian Job Vacancy: Department: Parks & Recreation Maintenance/Landscape Requisition Number: 2020148
    CITY OF FORT WAYNE JOB POSTING Applicants and Employees must meet duties/essential functions and minimum requirements. Supervisor – Riparian Job Vacancy: Department: Parks & Recreation Maintenance/Landscape Requisition Number: 2020148 Hours: 40 hours per week Rate of Pay: $61,000.00 - $63,000.00 annually Date Posted Up: 5/22/2020 Date Posted Down: Until Filled Time Up: 8:00 a.m. Time Down: SUMMARY Working under the direction of the Manager – Landscape and Horticulture, incumbent is responsible for all river maintenance (large woody debris, floatable, and trash removal), streambank assessment and restoration, vegetation assessment, invasive species management, vegetation restoration, volunteer coordination and management, public education, and outreach. Incumbent is expected to coordinate with multiple City agencies, committees, and organizations. Incumbent works horizontally, across the organization, in planning and implementing both routine and special programs and projects. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with the City safety rules and operating regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ability to interact with the public, City incumbents, and outside agencies with patience, tact, respect, and professionalism and the following. Other duties may be assigned. PLANNING / JUDGEMENT
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Large Woody Debris .Stream Channels and Benthic
    931 Effects of large woody debris placement on .stream channels and benthic macroinvertebrates I -. Robert H. Hilderbrand, A. Dennis Lemly, C. Andrew Dolloff, and Kelly L. Hppster Abstract: Large woody debris (LWD) was added as an experimental stream restoration technique in two streams in southwest Virginia. Additions were designed to compare human judgement in log placements against a randomized design and an unmanipulated reach, &d also to compare effectiveness in a low- and a high-gradient stream. Pool area increased 146% in the systematic placement and 32% in the random placement sections of the low-gradient stream, lending support to the notion that human judgement can be more effective than placing logs at random in low-gradient streams. Conversely, the high-gradient stream changed very little after LWD additions, suggesting that other hydraulic controls such as boulders and bedrock override LWD influences in high-gradient streams. Logs oriented as dams were responsible for all pools created by additions regardless of stream or method of placement. Multiple log combinations created only two pools, while the other seven pools were created by single LWD pieces. Total benthic macroinvertebrate abundance did not change as a result of LWD additions in either stream, but net abundances of Plecoptera, Coleoptera, Trichoptera, and Oligochaeta decreased, while Ephemeroptera increased significantly with the proportional increase in pool area in the low-gradient stream. R&urn6 : De gros debris ligneux (GDL) ont ete ajoutes darts deux cours d’eau dans le sud-ouest de la Virginie pour &udier une technique exp&imentale de remise en &at des cours d’eau.
    [Show full text]
  • Large Woody Debris and Brown Trout in Small Forest Streams – Towards Targets for Assessment and Management of Riparian Landscapes
    Ecological Bulletins 51: 233–239, 2004 Large woody debris and brown trout in small forest streams – towards targets for assessment and management of riparian landscapes Erik Degerman, Berit Sers, Johan Törnblom and Per Angelstam Degerman, E., Sers, B., Törnblom, J. and Angelstam, P. 2004. Large woody debris and brown trout in small forest streams – towards targets for assessment and management of riparian landscapes. – Ecol. Bull. 51: 233–239. Large woody debris (LWD) was quantified in 4382 forest stream sites in Sweden. LWD was present at 73% of the sites, but the amount was low with a median number of 1 piece of LWD 100 m–2. Brown trout was the most frequently occurring fish species and occurred in 82% of the sites. Brown trout occurred more frequently in sites with LWD, and the abundance of trout increased with the amount of LWD up to 8–16 wood pieces 100 m–2–2. By using quantity of LWD and stream width, brown trout abundance could be partly predicted. The largest trout caught were significantly larger at sites with LWD present, with an average of 188 mm in sites without LWD and 200 mm in sites with LWD. The average size of juvenile fish <1 yr old was 6% lower at sites with >4 pieces of LWD then at sites without LWD. This is suggested to be caused by higher trout densi- ties with increasing amount of LWD, i.e. implying a density-dependent effect on growth. The relationships between LWD and brown trout suggest that both are useful indica- tors of intactness and functionality of streams.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Large Wood in Retaining Fine Sediment, Organic Matter and Plant Propagules in a Small, Single-Thread Forest River
    This is the post_peer review, pre-publication version of the following article: Osei, N.A., Gurnell, A.M., Harvey, G.L. 2015. The role of large wood in retaining fine sediment, organic matter and plant propagules in a small, single-thread forest river. Geomorphology 235: 77-87. The published version is obatianable from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.01.031 The role of large wood in retaining fine sediment, organic matter and plant propagules in a small, single-thread forest river Nana A. Osei*, Angela M. Gurnell, Gemma L. Harvey School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS, UK * Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 (0)7832915095; email address: [email protected]. ABSTRACT This paper investigates associations among large wood accumulations, retained sediment and organic matter, and the establishment of a viable propagule bank within a forested reach of a lowland river, the Highland Water, UK. A wood survey within the 2 km study reach, illustrates that the quantity of wood retained within the channel is typical of relatively unmanaged river channels bordered by deciduous woodland, and that the wood accumulations (jams) that are present are well developed, typically spanning the river channel and comprised of wood that is well-decayed. Sediment samples were obtained in a stratified random design focusing on 9 subreaches within which samples were aggregated from five different types of sampling location. Two of these locations were wood-associated (within and on bank faces immediately adjacent to wood jams) and the other three locations represented the broader river environment (gravel bars, bank faces, floodplain).
    [Show full text]
  • Large Woody Debris Influences Vegetation Zonation in an Oligohaline Tidal Marsh
    Estuaries and Coasts Vol. 30, No. 3, p. 441–450 June 2007 Large Woody Debris Influences Vegetation Zonation in an Oligohaline Tidal Marsh W. GREGORY HOOD* Skagit River System Cooperative, P. O. Box 368, LaConner, Washington 98257 ABSTRACT: The amount of large woody debris (LWD) in Pacific Northwest estuaries has declined dramatically since Euro- American settlement in the mid 19th century. Little is known about the ecological significance of estuarine LWD. This ignorance impairs protection and restoration of habitat critical to threatened Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), as well as other fish and wildlife. This study investigates whether LWD affects the distribution of estuarine shrubs, particularly nitrogen-fixing Myrica gale L. (sweetgale), which dominates the tidal shrub community of the Skagit River estuary, Washington, U.S.A. LWD, M. gale, and other shrubs were surveyed along line transects in an oligohaline tidal marsh and in abandoned agricultural land whose dikes failed more than 50 years ago and which has reverted to marsh. The results demonstrate a strong association between LWD and M. gale. M. gale was very rare on LWD , 30 cm in diameter, increasingly more common for LWD between 30 and 75 cm, and always present on LWD $ 75 cm. The marsh surface was generally 45 cm below mean higher high water (MHHW), suggesting LWD benefits M. gale by providing a growth platform at an elevation near MHHW and reducing flooding stress. The largest and most abundant tree in the marsh, Picea sitchensis, averaged only 35.8 cm in diameter, which suggests LWD recruitment from upstream sources is necessary to sustain M.
    [Show full text]
  • Impacts of Prescribed Fire Frequency on Coarse Woody Debris Volume, Decomposition and Termite Activity in the Longleaf Pine Flatwoods of Florida
    Forests 2012, 3, 317-331; doi:10.3390/f3020317 OPEN ACCESS forests ISSN 1999-4907 www.mdpi.com/journal/forests Article Impacts of Prescribed Fire Frequency on Coarse Woody Debris Volume, Decomposition and Termite Activity in the Longleaf Pine Flatwoods of Florida James L. Hanula 1,*, Michael D. Ulyshen 2 and Dale D. Wade 1 1 USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA; E-Mail: [email protected] 2 USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 201 Lincoln Green, Starkville, MS 39759, USA; E-Mail: [email protected] * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-706-559-4253; Fax: +1-706-559-4287. Received: 19 April 2012; in revised form: 22 May 2012 / Accepted: 30 May 2012 / Published: 6 June 2012 Abstract: Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems have been reduced dramatically throughout their range. Prescribed burning is considered the best way to restore and maintain plant communities associated with longleaf pine, but little is known about its effects on coarse woody debris and associated organisms. We conducted a 5-year study on the Osceola National Forest in northeastern Florida to determine how dormant-season prescribed burns at different frequencies (annual, biennial, quadrennial or unburned) applied over a 40-year period affected coarse woody debris volume, decomposition and nitrogen content, and subterranean termite (Reticulitermes spp.) activity. Burn frequency had no effect on standing dead tree or log volumes. However, freshly cut longleaf pine logs placed in the plots for four years lost significantly less mass in annually burned plots than in unburned plots.
    [Show full text]