United States Department of Agriculture Coram Experimental Forest Service Forest: 50 Years of Rocky Mountain Research Station General Technical Research in a Western Report RMRS-GTR-37 September 1999 Larch Forest Raymond C. Shearer Madelyn M. Kempf Abstract Shearer, Raymond C.; Kempf, Madelyn M. 1999. Coram Experimental Forest: 50 years of research in a western larch forest. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-37. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 66 p. This publication will enrich public understanding about the important contributions to science made at this and other outdoor laboratories. Coram, and other long-range research sites, provide scientific knowledge to assist resource professionals with the development of sound land management principles. This knowledge ensures healthy, sustainable, and productive ecosystems while meeting social and economic needs. Major research at Coram includes the regeneration of young forests and the interaction of flora, fauna, and water to a wide range of forest treatments. Ongoing studies include: • cone and seed development and dispersal • natural and artificial regeneration after harvest cuttings • effects of stand culture treatment on forest development • insect and disease interactions • effects of the amount of wood harvest on site productivity • influence of silvicultural practices on watershed, esthetics, and wildlife values The Coram Experimental Forest is used cooperatively by Federal, university, and private scientists. About 340 ha of the forest are designated as the Coram Research Natural Area where virgin conditions are permanently maintained for research and monitoring. Coram, designated a Biosphere Reserve in 1976, is part of an international network that is devoted to the conservation of nature and scientific research in the service of humans. Continuing research at Coram will help people gain a better understanding of how they can live in harmony with the landscape and assist with the protection of forest and range ecosystems. Keywords: even-aged harvest methods, site preparation, regeneration, cone production, seed dispersal, stand culture, natural area, biosphere reserve The Authors Raymond C. Shearer is a Research Silviculturist assigned to the Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Ecology and Management of Northern Rocky Mountain Forests Research Work Unit, at the Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Missoula, MT. Since 1959, Shearer’s primary assignment has been the study of natural and artificial regeneration of Larix occidentalis (western larch) and associated species. Shearer managed the Coram Experimental Forest from 1957 to 1996 and served as the contact for United States Man and the Biosphere Program for the Coram Biosphere Reserve from 1976 to 1998. Shearer received B.S. and M.S. degrees in forestry from Utah State University and a Ph.D. degree in forest ecology from The University of Montana. Madelyn M. Kempf was a Public Affairs Specialist with the USDA Forest Service from 1985 to 1995. Kempf now contracts her services for publication design and writing/editing assignments. Kempf also writes for national publications and serves as a writer/ editor for non-profit organizations. Cover Photographs: In 1933, Coram Experimental Forest was established to study the ecology and management of western larch, a deciduous and valuable conifer (large photo) that grows only in the upper Columbia River basin. Upper left: A 1935 aerial photo shows Belton Point and the 1929 wildfire boundary, mostly off the north end of the experimental forest. Upper right: An October 1997 photo shows Belton Point and distribution of larch (yellow foliage) on west-facing slopes at Coram and on bordering privately-owned land. Center left: A fire scar on a western larch damaged by a prescribed fire in 1975. Lower left: Two-year-old larch seedlings growing on a burned surface. Lower center: Logs are brought downhill by cable from a shelterwood cutting to Road 590B in 1974. Lower right: Man and the Biosphere plaque designating Coram Experimental Forest as a Biosphere Reserve in 1976 located at the Abbot Basin vista. Center right: A 27-year-old larch natural regeneration (bottom of photo) established at the edge of the 12 ha clearcut, bordering old-growth forest, and the vista overlooking Abbot Basin (top of photo). Acknowledgments Many dedicated and competent Forest Service research and management personnel have con- tributed to 50 years of research on the Coram Experimental Forest. Recognition and thanks are extended to Charles A. Wellner, Russell K. LeBarron, Arthur L. Roe, Kenneth N. Boe, Anthony E. Squillace, Robert D. Pfister, Clinton E. Carlson, and Wyman C. Schmidt for providing direction and leadership during 50 years of research. Since the late 1960s, Jack A. Schmidt has been instrumental in the establishment, measurement, and maintenance of many study plots. He converted mechanical monitoring equipment to electronic recorders that report climatic and hydrologic events on the experimental forest. The cooperation and support of personnel on the Flathead National Forest—especially the District Rangers and other employees on the Coram and Hungry Horse Ranger Districts—is recognized and appreciated. These dedicated individuals accomplished many details that permitted research objec- tives to be met. Outstanding service to research was also provided by temporary employees, volunteers, and interested neighbors. Special acknowledgment goes to E. Donald Kiehn and L. Lynne Dixon (Forest Service volunteers) and Silja Meier (Clemson University intern) who used research data to develop curricula being used in nearby schools and helped establish the Coram Experimental Forest as an outdoor classroom for teachers and students. Thanks to those who provided photographs and written materials used in this publication. The authors are indebted to Chris Stalling and Jimmie Chew in Missoula for preparing the GIS graphics and to the Station’s Publishing Services employees for their outstanding help in producing this useful and attractive historical document. The use of trade or firm names in this publication is for reader information and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any product or service You may order additional copies of this publication by sending your mailing information in label form through one of the following media. Please specify the publication title and General Technical Report number. Fort Collins Service Center Telephone (970) 498-1719 FAX (970) 498-1660 E-mail rschneider/[email protected] Web site http://www.fs.fed.us/rm Mailing Address Publications Distribution Rocky Mountain Research Station 3825 E. Mulberry Street Fort Collins, CO 80524 Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1 Area Description .................................................................................................... 4 Geology ................................................................................................. 4 Soils ...................................................................................................... 4 Climate .................................................................................................. 4 Precipitation .......................................................................................... 6 Temperature .......................................................................................... 6 Vegetation ............................................................................................. 6 Habitat Types ........................................................................................ 8 Fire ....................................................................................................... 10 Human Settlement ................................................................................................. 12 Human Impact ....................................................................................................... 12 Hungry Horse Dam and Reservoir ........................................................ 12 Air Pollution ........................................................................................... 12 Introduced Plants .................................................................................. 13 Gathering and Hunting .......................................................................... 13 Recreation ............................................................................................. 13 Electronic Site ....................................................................................... 13 Establishment of Coram Experimental Forest ....................................................... 13 Conditions ............................................................................................. 15 Coram Research Natural Area .............................................................................. 15 Coram Biosphere Reserve .................................................................... 17 Administrative Actions ........................................................................................... 17 Timber Surveys ..................................................................................... 17 Civilian Conservation Corps .................................................................. 20 Timber for the War Effort (1942 to 1946) .............................................. 20 Transportation System .........................................................................