Current and Recent Research

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 Plant Ecology                   Upland Silviculture
 Wildlife                              Riparian Silviculture
 Aquatic Ecology               Other stand management studies

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This section describes studies currently or recently conducted in and near the AMA. The list is continually changing and being added to; there are probably many studies of which I am still not aware. The section begins with "basic" science categories followed by management-oriented research. Under each study is listed the principal investigators (PI) and their affiliation, the general location of the study, research objectives, methods, and preliminary results (if available). More extensive versions of these entries and more covering recent published work will soon be available as an electronic database. Please provide any additions, updates, or corrections.

Coastal Landscape Analysis and Modeling Study (CLAMS)

PI: Tom Spies (PNW) and Norm Johnson (OSU)(co-leaders), Ralph Alig (PNW), Warren Cohen (PNW), Gordon Grant (PNW), Steve Garman (OSU), Becky Johnson (OSU), Gary Lettman (ODF--Oregon Department of Forestry), Bill McComb (University of Massachusetts), Janet Ohmann (PNW), Gordon Reeves (PNW), John Sessions (OSU).

Location: Entire Coast Range, area of 3,125,900 ha (7,721,000 ac)

Objectives: Develop tools to understand changes over large landscapes and analyze the social, economic, and ecological consequences of different forest policies.

Methods: Characterize current patterns and historical dynamics of ecological, economic, and social components of the ecosystem; develop linked spatial models of ecological, economic, and social changes; and predict the effects of current and alternative forest and land use policies across all ownerships on key resources and outputs.

Results: Detailed maps of vegetation, hydrology, and other components and a prototype model for a Coast Range sub-basin have been developed.
 

Oregon Transect Ecosystem Research Project (OTTER)

PI: Richard Waring (OSU)

Location: Sites at Cascade Head Experimental Forest and near Corvallis

Objectives: Examine forest physiology and ecosystem function at range of forest types across Oregon and evaluate ability to measure them with remote sensing.

Methods: Other sites span the Cascades. Measurements include: microclimate, photosynthesis and respiration, carbon isotope ratios, water relations, and correlation with different kinds of remote sensing.

Results: Study described in Peterson and Waring (1994).
 

Cascade Head long-term ecological research (LTER)

PI: Sarah Greene (PNW), Steve Acker (OSU), Mark Harmon (OSU), Paul Harcombe (Rice University), and others

Location: Multiple sites at Cascade Head Experimental Forest

Objectives: Document tree population changes in long-term plots for stands of different age and composition.

Methods: Several sets of permanent plots, within which trees are tagged and mapped and mortality and growth are measured at regular intervals. Plots include:

• 1-acre (0.4 ha) plots established in 1935 in 80 year-old stands, nine in spruce-hemlock and three in Douglas-fir,

• 44 0.1 ha (0.25 ac) plots on Neskowin Crest RNA established in 1979,

• one 1-ha (2.5 ac) plot in spruce-hemlock stand established in mid-1980's,

• four plots established in 1935 on an abandoned homestead and thinned to different mixtures of alders and conifers

Results: Several publications have been developed from these plots (see Greene and Blinn 1991).
 

Riparian forest long-term plots

PI: Tom Spies (PNW)

Location: Trout Ck. and Flynn Ck. (Alsea basin)

Objectives: Document tree population changes in mature riparian stands with different amounts of hardwoods and conifers

Methods: One 2 ha (5 ac) permanent plot established at each site in 1990, within which trees are tagged and mapped and mortality and growth are measured at regular intervals.

Objectives: inventory vegetation types in portions of 3 basins w/ remote sensing and air photos; characterize vegetation structure + CWD in relation to geomorphology; determine response of riparian vegetation to natural disturbance.

Methods: unclear; Pabst surveys and reference stands involved

Results: M.S. thesis characterized disturbance histories and spatial patterns (Poage 1995)
 

Alder-conifer competition study

PI: David Hibbs and Steve Radosevich (OSU)

Location: Cascade Head Experimental Forest

Objectives: Document positive and negative interactions within and among Douglas-fir and red alder and investigate potential mechanisms for those effects.

Methods: the study is replicated at the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in central Oregon and at Belfair, WA. Includes replacement series and nelder plots in which total tree density, species proportion, and soil nitrogen level (represented by the different sites in the region) are systematically varied. Tree seedlings were planted in clearcuts in 1984. Measurements include: above- and below-ground growth, photosynthesis and photosynthate allocation, plant and soil moisture relationships, nitrogen fixation and pools and fluxes of nitrogen in soils and plants.
 
 

North coast late-successional structure and dynamics

PI: Andrew Gray (PNW)

Location: Various within the Northern Coast Range AMA

Objectives: Sample structure and composition of existing late-successional forests in different ecological zones across the AMA to develop structural targets for stands to be restored.

Methods: Install permanently-marked 1 ha plots in old-growth and other mature stands to characterize tree composition and structure, woody debris, understory vegetation, disturbance history, and characteristics of and response to natural gap formation. Compare results to existing data and literature.
 

Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative

PI: Gregory Filip, Everett Hansen, Douglas Maguire, Jeffrey Stone, and Kathleen Kavanagh (OSU)

Location: Oregon Coast Range

Objectives: Conduct research on the biology, detection, and management of Swiss needle cast in the coastal Douglas-fir zone.

Methods: Cooperators include 13 private industrial landowners and 4 public agencies. Studies include development of aerial and ground survey methodology, and disease hazard and risk rating, characterization of growth and yield impacts, tree physiological relations, and host and fungal genetics, and testing of alternative management strategies.
 

Marbled murrelet activity study

PI: Bob Anthony (OSU)

Location: Valley of the Giants RNA

Objectives: Characterize the fluctuation in daily activity from known marbled murrelet nest sites over the course of the summer to determine necessary sampling intensity for establishing occupancy

Methods: Study also done at other site in southern Coast Range. Repeated observations and counting of murrelet calls conducted during the dawn activity period over a several month period

Results: The number of calls made by birds varies greatly depending on season and weather
 

Northern spotted owl studies

PI: Eric Forsman (PNW)

Location: Multiple areas across the coast range

Objectives: Assess owl population trends (survival, reproduction, site occupancy and turnover) and relate owl performance (e.g. survival and reproduction) to the amount and distribution of habitat over the landscape

Methods: Studies of owl population trends in the northern Coast Range have been conducted since 1986 on BLM lands and since 1990 on USFS lands. Population densities are monitored in an area in the Drift (Siletz) drainage. ODF/OSU--north coast: 1993-present (1995)

Results: Trends are stable in total number of owls and adult survivorship over 1990-1993 in Siuslaw study area.
 

Bat riparian habitat studies

PI: John Hayes (OSU) and Stephen Cross (Southern Oregon State College)

Location: Oregon Coast Range

Objectives: Identify the bat species that utilize riparian zones, determine the importance of riparian zones to these species, and determine the influence of landscape structure, forest structure, and stream and riparian characteristics on habitat utilization by bats.

Methods: Initial measurements focused on characterizing the echolocation signatures of different bat species and the temporal variation in bat activity among days and seasons. Subsequent measurements will record bat activity at a variety of sites with different vegetation composition and management history.

Results: Bats could be identified to the genus level and many to the species level based on recorded echolocation sounds.
 

Aquatic Wildlife Studies

PI: Deanna Olson, Gordon Reeves, Bruce Hansen, and others (PNW)

Location: Cummins Ck., Cape Ck., Elk Ck., Schooner Ck., Drift Ck.

Objectives: Document salmonid and amphibian abundance and relationships to riparian habitats on multiple streams in the Coast Range.

Methods: Studies on Cummins and Cape Creeks examine microhabitat relationships of salmonids and have 5-6 yrs of data; studies on Cummins and Elk Creeks examine relationships between fish abundance and conditions from local to watershed scales; a study on Schooner Ck is a long-term (8 yrs so far) study of fish and amphibian diversity and abundance; a study on Drift Ck is an attempt at habitat classification using remote sensing data; and a study is examining cutthroat trout genetics on the whole coast. The team has also developed a procedure for analysis and delineation of riparian reserve boundaries which needs to be field-tested and evaluated.
 

East Creek Stream Restoration

PI: Steve Johnson (ODFW)

Location: East Ck. and Moon Ck. (Nestucca basin)

Objectives: Examine the effect of a set of stream restoration techniques on stream structure and fish populations.

Methods: In East Ck., logs were cabled into place to create pools above and plunge pools below, and "alcoves" were dug next to the stream to provide slow-water areas during high flows. Moon Ck. was left as a control. Stream habitat and fish numbers were sampled for ~3 years before in both creeks and about 5 years after (not sure if will continue).

Results: Number and area of pools increased after logs were put in. Appeared to be a positive effect on numbers of some fish species. Others, like coho, may be more limited by ocean returns than by early rearing habitat. Pool size diminished over time as sediments filled in behind logs, especially after Feb. '96 floods, and many alcoves filled with sediment or the openings to the creek were cut off by sediment.
 

Adaptive Management Pilot Project

PI: Bernard Bormann, Patrick Cunningham, and others (PNW)

Location: Oregon Coast Range Province

Objectives: Develop and implement adaptive management concepts into federal land management to support social and ecological sustainability.

Methods: Work with Provincial Advisory Committee to develop concepts and approaches for adaptive landscape-level learning design, including identification of questions and methodology for locating similar units and implementing design.

Results: Products to date include a paper on adaptive management in the northwest (Bormann et al. 1994), an initial design of landscape-level treatments, and a joint science-management study (Hebo Restoration Study).
 

North Coast Monitoring assessment

PI: Andrew Gray (PNW)

Objectives: compile information on existing data-collection efforts by federal, state, and local agencies in the AMA, detailing the methods used and the timing, quantity, and quality of information. Use this compilation as a basis for designing standardized monitoring protocols across agencies and reduce redundancy.

Methods: literature search and interviews with agency personnel
 

Social networks

PI: Cathy Knott (OSU)

Location: Lower Nestucca River communities (Sandlake to Dolph)

Objectives: Conduct qualitative interviews with residents to understand perspectives on communities and natural resource agencies

Methods: Student interviewed or informally discussed issues with local people with range of occupations and backgrounds, as well as with agency personnel, sometimes one on one, sometimes in local meetings (e.g. chamber of commerce), during summer of 1995.

Results: Most of the folks involved in local chambers of commerce were older and retired. Communities right on the ocean were seen as distinct from non-coastal communities in terms of economic benefit from tourism and having seasonal residents. Seasonals are considered distinct as "urban people from the valley" who do not contribute economically (bring supplies to coast) and don't think about long-term interest of community (no kids raised there). Generally difficult to get many people involved in issues unless feel a direct threat (e.g. zoning changes). General criticism of role of science and researchers, particularly when what's right changes drastically (e.g. stream cleaning vs. adding debris) and there's little apparent consensus on many issues.
 

PI: JeriLynn Peck (OSU)

Location: Mt. Hebo area

Objectives: Examine the effect of different levels of moss harvest on moss abundance and growth across a large stewardship area, in riparian zones, and on specific stems.

Methods: Similar studies being conducted elsewhere on Siuslaw NF and in Cascades. One project involves annual measurement of moss regrowth on 85 stem segments at 9 sites that were harvested in 1994. Another project involves, with the cooperation of commercial moss harvesters, the establishment of "Stewardship Areas" in upland and riparian forests which are divided into 3 zones: no harvest (control), limited harvest, and unregulated harvest. Each area has 30 non-permanent and 24 permanent plots where bryophyte surveys are conducted.

Results: Moss re-growth on harvested vine maple stems was slow, with most species re-establishing after 2 years, but with average cover at only 10% of pre-harvest, and volume much lower. Overall harvest impacts in the Stewardship Area after one year appeared to be minor, but short time period, low overall moss abundance, spatial variability of moss harvest, and low number of plots made early conclusions unreliable (Peck 1996).
 

Density Management Study

PI: John Tappeiner (USGS)

Location: Callahan Ck.

Objectives: Study utility of alternative silvicultural prescriptions to achieve old-growth stand characteristics as quickly as possible, and responses of wildlife and understory plant species in those treatments.

Methods: Study design is replicated on twelve other sites in western Oregon. Thinning planned for 1998. Design consists of four 20 ha (50 ac) treatments in a 70-yr-old second-growth Douglas-fir stand: control, high density (thin 70-75% of stand to 120 trees per acre [tpa]), moderate density (thin 60-65% of stand to 80 tpa, cut 10% in dispersed openings [3 each ¼, ½, and 1 ac in size]), and variable density (thin 10% of stand to 40 tpa, 25-30% to 80 tpa, 25-30% to 120 tpa, and 10% in openings). Generally about 20-30% of thinned areas will be untreated, including riparian reserves and leave islands of .25, .5, and 1 acre in size. Treatments remove smallest trees, with all hardwoods, rare conifers, understory conifers, old-growth remnants, wolf trees, and large down logs and snags retained. All patch cuts will be planted with several tree species and thins will get some planting as well. Vegetation control will be done on half of the planted areas. Future thins are planned, especially for high-density treatments. Understory trees and vegetation and overstory trees will be monitored on plots. Companion studies include wildlife monitoring (habitat characterization and selected spp--possibly flying squirrels, salamanders, bats), aquatic vertebrate studies (fish and amphibians), riparian microclimate and microsite characterization, and lichen and bryophyte response.
 
 

College of Forestry Integrated Research Project

PI: John Tappeiner (USGS), Loren Kellogg, Rick Schaeffer, Becky Johnson, Rick Balfour, Bo Shelby, Mark Brunson, Bill McComb, Carol Chambers, and Tom Adams (OSU), and Rick Kelsey (PNW)

Location: McDonald-Dunn Forest

Objectives: Investigate production of timber and non-timber values in different silvicultural treatments modelled on natural disturbance to varying degrees

Methods: Experimental design in 100-120 yr-old Douglas-fir stands includes: clearcut with snags (1.5 snags/ac, 0.5 residual trees/ac), two-story (1.5 snags/ac, 8-10 residual trees/ac), group selection (0.5 ac openings in 30% of stand), and uncut control. Treatments are replicated 6 times (with 14 group selection sites). Additional studies are conducted in demonstrations of strip cuts, wedge cuts, group selection with 1.5 ac openings, and single-tree selection. General measurements include: tree growth and mortality, regeneration, harvesting and economics, recreation and aesthetics, wildlife, tree genetics, and forest insects.
 

Stand structure and wildlife study

PI: John Hayes, William McComb, Steve Hobbs, and William Emmingham, Robert Anthony (OSU), and Walt Thies (PNW)

Location: Tillamook State Forest and nearby Stimson land

Objectives: Determine effect of different thinning levels and densities of created snags on vegetation and wildlife.

Methods: Four replicates of thinning treatments in 30 year-old Douglas-fir stands consist of controls, moderate thin, and wide thin (~70 trees per acre) on 65+ ac units. Measurements include breeding birds, small mammals, amphibians, understory vegetation, natural tree regeneration, stand structure, Phellinus root rot, and mycorrhyzae. Exclosures will also be installed to evaluate effects of ungulate browsing on understory vegetation. Pretreatment surveys were conducted and treatments installed in 1995.
 

Black Rock thin

PI: Dave Marshall (OSU)

Location: George T. Gerlinger Experimental Forest

Objectives: Evaluate forest productivity under different thinning regimes

Methods: Replicated thinning treatments in Douglas-fir stands are designed to keep stands between specified levels of basal area: control, light (160-90 ft²/ac), medium (130-60 ft²/ac), and heavy (100-30 ft²/ac). Stands were first thinned in 1957 at age 48 (4 cuts total to date). Another plot was thinned to 51 trees per acre (tpa) in 1957 and underplanted with hemlock of various seed sources.

Results: Individual tree diameter growth increases with reduction in total basal area. Net volume production (including standing trees and thinned) tends to follow differences in site index among plots rather than treatments. Mean annual increment was still increasing at age 80, indicating greater volume production (of higher value logs) than with two 40-yr rotations (Curtis and Marshall 1993).
 
 

Laminated root rot thinning study

PI: Walt Thies (PNW)

Location: "Neverstill" site (North Yamhill basin), and other sites on Tillamook State Forest and private lands

Objectives: Study the spread of laminated root rot (Phellinus weirii) in response to thinning of different types.

Methods: Four stand treatments on 17 ac : unthinned control, uniform thin regardless of disease, "bridge-tree thin" by cutting trees within 15 feet of disease pockets to arrest spread and thinning rest of stand, and thin stand but leaving 5-6 clumps/acre of unthinned trees on south sides of disease pockets to avoid windthrow. Set up permanent grid in central 10 acres of each unit and map all diseased trees prior to harvest, verify/augment disease identification immediately after harvest, and monitor spread of disease in years following harvest.
 

Hebo Restoration Study

PI: Bernard Bormann (PNW)

Location: Mt. Hebo

Objectives: Learn to encourage development of old-growth forest characteristics on a Douglas-fir plantation that was grown from an off-site seed source since 1910 on degraded soils, by applying alternative silvicultural prescriptions. Focus of study is on soil processes and biodiversity.

Methods: This is a supporting site to the Long-Term Ecosystem Productivity (LTEP) study, which has several sites throughout the region. Thinning will occur in 1998. Four 4 ha (10 ac) treatments are replicated three times: control; thin to 30 trees per acre (tpa) and plant local Douglas-fir; thin to 30 tpa and plant alder, other hardwoods, and shrubs; and thin to 60 tpa and plant hemlock and spruce. Long-term design includes maintaining different overstory densities and different species composition. Measurements include tree and understory species composition, biomass, and net primary production, soil organic matter and nutrient content and distribution, climate, and social perceptions (via photo-monitoring).
 

Hebo Bark Beetle Study

PI: Bruce Hostetler, Darrell Ross

Location: Mt Hebo

Objectives: Examine response of bark beetle populations and infestation of live trees after felling and leaving trees to supply coarse woody debris in thinning units.

Methods: Sites include the Hebo Restoration Study and a nearby thinning unit (Burnt Ridge). Placed pheromone-baited traps to gather pre-treatment data on bark beetle abundance, and intend to continue trapping each year until one or two years after the cutting operation.
 

Young Stand Thinning for Diversity Study

PI: William Emmingham and Loren Kellogg (OSU), Sam Chan, Pete Owston, and Don Minore (PNW)

Location: Above Bear Ck. (Nestucca basin)

Objectives: Determine the abundance and growth of understory plants, decay and accumulation of wood and organic matter, net primary production, and microsite characteristics under different overstory treatments, and study effect of different commercial thinning and planting methods on response of overstory trees, stand structure, and wildlife habitat

Methods: Study replicated at two other sites near Waldport and Mapleton. Commercial thinning in 30 yr-old Douglas-fir plantation using controls (~200 trees per acre--tpa) and 100 (common), 60, and 30 tpa thinnings. Hemlock and Douglas-fir seedlings planted in all areas, alder planted in Phellinus root rot pockets; Sitka spruce, cedar, grand fir, and bigleaf maple also planted in trials, and some areas were unplanted. Understory and overstory development and microclimate will be followed (COPE FY94 report).
 

Spruce-hemlock thin

PI: Sarah Greene (PNW) and William Emmingham (OSU)

Location: Cascade Head Experimental Forest

Objectives: evaluate effects of 3 commercial thinning treatments on stand volume and growth and on scar damage.

Methods: Four replicates in two 30 yr old, Sitka spruce-western hemlock stands. Treatments include control, narrow spacing (18x18'), wide spacing (24x24'), and herringbone strip cuts (15' cut, 30' uncut strips). Permanent plots 0.2 ha (0.5 ac) in size were established in the center of each unit. Measurements include tree growth, mortality, scar condition, and sapwood width, and cover of vegetation and woody debris.

Results: Volume was reduced to 50% on narrow, 46% on strip, and 29% on wide thinnings. Scarring was much greater on the narrow and wide treatments (~40% and 50% of all trees scarred) than on the strip cut (~12%), with larger scars on hemlock and spruce than on Douglas-fir. Strip-cut was the cheapest to harvest, but the least uniform (Greene and Emmingham 1986).
 

Young hemlock thin

PI: Gerald Hoyer (Washington DNR)

Location: Cascade Head Experimental Forest

Objectives: Evaluate growth, stand development, and yield for hemlock stands thinned at different spacings at time of crown closure.

Methods: Study repeated at site near Clallam Bay, WA. Hemlock stands were thinned at time of crown closure (breast-height age 7) at different spacings: control (~3'), 8', 12', 16', and 20'. Measurements include tree growth, survival, and regeneration.

Results: Seventeen years after thinning, height growth was not affected by spacing. Spacing changed tree form so that volume was not accurately estimated with a conventional allometric equation; a measured form factor (ratio of diameter at different stem heights) was added. Annual volume increase greatest on closest spacings, 16'+ spacings had free-growing diameter increment. Thinning after competition has started may be more productive than thinning at crown-closure (Hoyer and Swanzy 1986).
 

Thin retrospective study

PI: John Tappeiner (USGS)

Location: Various in coast range (and Cascades), primarily on BLM lands

Objectives: Compare tree growth, vegetation, and wildlife on adjacent thin, unthinned, and old-growth stands

Methods: Adjacent stands of mature thinned and unthinned stands and old-growth were located and sampled for tree composition and size structure. Some sites located in north coast. Coordinated sampling now includes invertebrates, bats, lichens, bryophytes, and amphibians.

Results: Overstory trees in thinned stands had greater diameters, crown ratios, crown widths, and growth rates than those in unthinned stands. Conifer seedling and sapling abundance, growth rates, and crown ratios were also greater in thinned stands. Shrubs and other vegetation was more abundant and diverse in thinned stands than in unthinned stands. Measurements in old-growth stands were more variable than in the younger stands. Variability was increased by thinning when >30% of the volume had been removed (Bailey 1996).
 
 

Callahan Ck. Riparian Buffer Study

PI: Deanna Olson and Sam Chan (PNW)

Location: Callahan Ck. (upper Siletz basin)

Objectives: Study effects of different widths and arrangements of unthinned buffers along streams within thinning units on microclimate, vegetation, and stream vertebrates.

Methods: Riparian buffers are within Density Management Study thinning units. Treatments include: two-site-tree-height buffer width with no thinning (NWFP interim guidelines), one-site-tree-height buffer width with no thinning, variable buffer width (buffer extends to topographic breaks), and control. Understory trees and vegetation and overstory trees will be monitored on plots. Aquatic vertebrates (fish and amphibians), riparian microclimate and microsite characterization will also be studied.
 

Schooner Ck. Riparian Buffer Study

PI: Deanna Olson and Bruce Hansen (PNW)

Location: Schooner Ck.

Objectives: Study effects of different widths and arrangements of unthinned buffers along streams within thinning units stream vertebrates.

Methods: Treatments within thinning units designed to retain 90 trees per acre include: variable buffer width (buffer extends to topographic breaks), streamside retention (buffer includes only streamside trees) and control (unthinned unit). Thinning planned for 1998. Aquatic vertebrates (fish and amphibians) and stream substrate will be monitored at regular intervals.
 

Elk Creek Riparian Thin

PI: Dave Hibbs, Michael Newton, William Emmingham (OSU), Sam Chan (PNW), John Tappeiner (USGS)

Location: Elk Ck. (Nestucca basin)

Objectives: determine effects of harvest, vegetation type, and landform on vegetation dynamics by sampling the spectrum of existing riparian buffer strip conditions; develop conifer tree regeneration systems.

Methods: Study also conducted at Indian Ck. near Mapleton. Stands are dominated by 26 and 48 yr-old alder. Examined controls, partial cutting (to 60% full sunlight), and complete riparian harvest. Planted alder, Douglas-fir, hemlock, cedar, and grand fir, protected with plastic tubing. Three understory treatments (uncut, annual cut, biannual cut) were imposed within each overstory treatment. Light and soil moisture measurements and regeneration microsite data were collected.

Results: Seedling survival generally decreased with increasing overstory cover, except for cedar; growth decreased dramatically with cover. Growth was generally better with shrub cutting. Except for alder, there were few differences in growth and survival of 6 underplanted species in 60% thinned and complete removal treatments after 3 years. Thinned alder canopies were closing rapidly, so future thinning may be required. Annual cutting of salmonberry had little effect on sprouting vigor until the third year (COPE FY94 report, COPE Report 6(3):42-44).
 

Active riparian-area management

PI: Arne Skaugset, Michael Newton, and Loren Kellogg (OSU)

Location: Central Oregon Coast Range (Bark Ck., Buttermilk Ck., and Hudson Ck.)

Objectives: Examine operational alternatives to establish and grow conifers in hardwood- and shrub-dominated riparian areas and add large woody debris to streams to improve the amount and quality of fish habitat.

Methods: The study was installed in 1993-94 on three harvest units located on industrial forest land. Treatments include 300' and 600' openings and 100' wide buffer strips along streams, with different stock types of three conifer species planted in each opening and receiving different amounts of understory vegetation control. Large woody debris pieces were placed in the stream in the 300' openings in two configurations. Measurements include tree seedling survival and growth, large woody debris stability and effect on fish habitat, stream temperature, aquatic insects, and logging disturbance. Logging-engineering research will determine the costs of planning and harvesting the riparian openings and constructing the large woody debris jams in the streams.
 

Release of suppressed conifers in alder-dominated riparian zones

PI: William Emmingham (OSU)

Location: Oregon Coast Range

Objectives: Determine the best techniques for releasing suppressed conifers in the understory through thinning of alder stands.

Methods: The study is being conducted in six riparian areas. Approximately 50 understory conifers were identified at each site. Two-thirds of the trees at each site were subjected to one of two treatments, cutting or girdling of surrounding trees, and one-third were left untreated as a control. Measurements include tree survival and height and diameter growth response.
 

Riparian restoration survey

PI: William Emmingham (OSU), Sam Chan, Dan Mikowski, and Pete Owston (PNW)

Location: Throughout Oregon Coast Range

Objectives: characterize the kinds of riparian enhancement projects that are being installed in the Coast Range

Methods: Surveys of objectives, site characteristics, and prescriptions installed by USFS, BLM, ODFW, and the Coquille Watershed Association (latter 2 on private property). Also did case study to evaluate effectiveness on 3 sites, which included planting in natural gaps and .1 and .2 ac cut openings in alder forest..

Results: paper in preparation
 

Habitat Development Study

PI: Andrew Carey (PNW)

Location: Olympic National Forest and AMA

Objectives: evaluate methods to accelerate the development of late-successional habitat conditions in stands between 30-70 yrs old.

Methods: The thinning treatment includes retention of uncut patches (10% of the unit), creation of small openings (15%), and removal of 30% of basal area (75%). Woody debris will be augmented in some sites and not others by felling trees. Approximately 15% of the study area will be seeded or planted with plant species of value to small mammals. Measurements (pre- and post-treatment) include tree growth and yield, woody debris and stand structure, understory plants, small mammals, fungi, flying squirrels, and amphibians. Companion studies include invertebrates and seed banks.
 

Demonstration of Ecosystem Management Options (DEMO)

PI: KB Aubry, JD White, MP Amaranthus, BL Woodard, and AJ Horton (PNW)

Location: Four blocks in Umpqua NF, 3 in Gifford-Pinchot NF, 1 in WA DNR

Objectives: Evaluate a range of silvicultural treatments with emphasis on old-growth species and green-tree retention

Methods: Six different treatments (13ha) within a block, blocks in different stand ages (70-300+ yrs) and stands dominated by Douglas-fir. Treatments are: control, 75% retention (25% in 1 ha patch cuts possibly on 20-30 yr interval w/ thinnings), 40% dispersed retention (well dispersed large trees retained), 40% aggregated retention (trees left in 1 ha clumps), 15% dispersed retention, and 15% aggregated retention (1 ha patches). Snags, coarse woody debris, and advanced regeneration will be retained. Pre-treatment measurements have been completed.
 

Young Stand Thinning and Diversity Study

PI: John Cissel (USFS, Willamette)

Location: Central Cascades AMA

Objectives: Determine if different thinning, underplanting, and snag-creation treatments can accelerate development and diversity in young plantations.

Methods: Stands are 35-45 yrs old. Four treatments, replicated 4 times, are control (250 tpa), light (100-110 tpa), heavy (50-55 tpa) with underplanting, and light with patch-cuts (20% of stand in 0.5 ac gaps) and planting in gaps. Harvest systems (tractor, cable, and mechanical [harvester-forwarder]) will be compared. Vegetation, small mammals, birds, and amphibians will be sampled.
 

Clearwater Valley study

PI: Constance Harrington and others (PNW)

Location: Clearwater River basin, Mt. St. Helens

Objectives: Determine the effect of different levels of stand diversity on vegetation and other ecosystem components

Methods: Five treatments are replicated 5 times in 6.5 ha (16 ac) plots in stands planted in 1981 after salvage from the eruption. Treatments are blocked along valley from deep ash (very suppressed understory) to shallow (some understory). Treatments are: A= control, B= 12 x 12' uniform spacing, C= 12 x 12' spacing + eight 0.05 ac gaps/ac, D= 12 x 12' spacing plus .02, .04, and .05 ac gaps, no planting, E= similar to D but with alder planted in gap centers and hemlock and cedar around gap edges. Established a grid of long-term plots with post-treatment measurements. Treatments are intended to maintain different levels of diversity, not test operational techniques, so future management will be imposed as stands develop.