Characteristics and Function of Large Woody Debris in Streams Draining Old-Growth, Clear-Cut, and Second-Growth Forests in Southwestern Washington

1991 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 2499-2508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Bilby ◽  
James W. Ward
Keyword(s):  
Woody Debris ◽  
Sediment Accumulation ◽  
Pool Size ◽  
Large Woody Debris ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Stream Size ◽  
And Function ◽  
Pool Formation

Amount of large woody debris (LWD) surveyed in 70 stream reaches flowing through old-growth, clear-cut, and second-growth forests decreased with increasing stream size for all stand types but was greatest at old-growth sites. Average piece volume was larger at old-growth sites than at other stand types in streams >10 m wide, but no differences were seen in smaller streams. Scour pools accounted for 90% of the wood-associated pools at second-growth and clear-cut sites but only 50% at old-growth sites, which contained more pools than other stand types, particularly for larger streams. Pool size was similar for all stand types in smaller streams, but averaged 10 m2 in streams >10 m wide at old-growth sites and 4 m2 for other stand types. Pool size was similar for all stand types in smaller streams. Sediment and fine organic matter retained by woody debris decreased with increasing stream size for ail stand types, but old-growth sites contained greater amounts of both materials than other stand types. The frequency of pool formation, the type of pool formed, and sediment accumulation were influenced by the amount of fine debris associated with LWD. Changes in LWD amount, characteristics, and function occurred very rapidly following removal of streamside vegetation.

Large woody debris characteristics and contributions to pool formation in forest streams of the Boreal Shield

2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1213-1223 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P Kreutzweiser ◽  
Kevin P Good ◽  
Trent M Sutton
Keyword(s):  
Woody Debris ◽  
Average Frequency ◽  
Large Woody Debris ◽  
Primary Input ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Mixedwood Forests ◽  
Riparian Trees ◽  
Boreal Shield ◽  
And Function ◽  
Pool Formation

The inputs, characteristics, and function of large woody debris (LWD) were assessed in 16 mid-order (average channel widths of 3–7 m), moderate-gradient (approx. 1%–5% channel slopes) streams in mixedwood forests of the Boreal Shield in Ontario. Three of the streams were adjacent to clearcuts, with the remainder in areas that have not been logged or recently (>70 years) burned. The average frequency (19.9 pieces·100 m–1) and size (mean diameter 16.7 cm) of LWD in these streams were less than reported in most other regions and forest types. Averaged across sites, input sources were undetermined for about 50% of the LWD owing to fluvial displacement from the points of origin. Natural mortality (24%) and windthrow (15%) were primary input sources of the remaining LWD. Windthrow was highly variable and mostly associated with nearby clear-cut logging. At the three sites near clearcuts, windthrow contributed 34%–62% of LWD in streams. In study reaches where active beaver colonies were observed, beaver-felled trees accounted for up to 47% of LWD inputs. The average frequency of debris dams (2.4 dams·100 m–1) was less than those reported from studies in other areas and was positively correlated with an index of bottom substrate size (r = 0.72). Less than 15% of the pools in these streams were formed or influenced by LWD. Most wood pieces appeared to be ineffective as pool-forming agents because of their relatively small size and instability. In these Boreal Shield forests, it appears that most riparian trees do not live long enough or grow to sufficient size to contribute functional LWD and influence stream morphology or pool formation.

Changes in the quantity and characteristics of large woody debris in streams of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington, U.S.A. (1982-1993)

1998 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 1395-1407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L McHenry ◽  
Eric Shott ◽  
Robert H Conrad ◽  
Glenn B Grette
Keyword(s):  
Woody Debris ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
High Mobility ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
Riparian Forests ◽  
Large Woody Debris ◽  
Olympic Peninsula ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
The Mean

We assessed the changes in large woody debris (LWD) abundance and composition at 28 sites in 27 low-gradient Olympic Peninsula streams between 1982 and 1993. The average number of pieces of debris was virtually identical (P = 0.98) in both years (50.7 versus 50.6). However, we found a significant (P <= 0.01) reduction in the total volume of LWD material in the stream sites surveyed (51.7 m3 ·100 m-1 in 1982 to 38.2 m3 ·100 m-1 in 1993). While the mean volume of second-growth derived LWD increased from 3.6 to 10.9 m3 ·100 m-1 (P < 0.01), the increase was insufficient to offset the loss of old-growth derived LWD. The mean volume of old-growth derived LWD for all sites decreased from 48.1 to 27.4 m3 ·100 m-1 between sample years (P < 0.01). The mean diameter of second-growth derived LWD was significantly larger in 1993 than in 1982, although still smaller than old-growth derived pieces. We measured a significant increase in the percentage of LWD pieces rated as highly decayed from 1982 to 1993. The results indicate that the loss of old-growth derived LWD following the removal of old-growth riparian forests is initially very rapid, followed by a slower rate of depletion associated with watershed destabilization. Inputs of LWD from second-growth riparian forests up to 73 years old were characterized by small diameter, high mobility, and high decay rates.

Characteristics and function of large woody debris in subalpine Rocky Mountain streams in northern Colorado

1995 ◽  
Vol 52 (8) ◽  
pp. 1789-1802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann D. Richmond ◽  
Kurt D. Fauseh
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Northwest ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Fish Habitat ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
Large Woody Debris ◽  
Mountain Streams ◽  
Coastal Forests ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
And Function ◽  
Rocky Mountain Streams

Large woody debris has been well studied in coastal forests of the Pacific Northwest, but little is known of its role in Rocky Mountain streams. Large woody debris was measured in 11 undisturbed streams draining subalpine old-growth forests in north central Colorado to assess abundance, characteristics, and function. Although large woody debris in Colorado had smaller diameter, length, and volume than in the Pacific Northwest, its abundance and function were similar. The majority of pools (76%) were plunge and dammed pools formed by large woody debris, most of which spanned the channels perpendicular to stream flow. Smaller streams had a greater proportion of such perpendicular pool-forming pieces than larger streams. Four disturbed streams had significantly less and smaller large woody debris than undisturbed streams. Flows in larger undisturbed streams were capable of moving large woody debris, so pieces were more often located at the stream margins, oriented diagonally, or distributed in clumps than in smaller streams. Individual pools were larger and deeper in larger streams, but their size was not related to the size of large woody debris pieces forming them. Therefore, the function of large woody debris in forming fish habitat in small Rocky Mountain streams is strongly influenced by the stream's location within the watershed.

In-stream large woody debris loading and riparian forest seral stage associations in the southern Appalachian Mountains

1996 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 1218-1227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig W. Hedman ◽  
David H. Van Lear ◽  
Wayne T. Swank
Keyword(s):  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
American Chestnut ◽  
Eastern Hemlock ◽  
Large Woody Debris ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Stream Systems

Large woody debris (LWD) is an important ecological component of mountain streams. However, the relation of LWD loading and riparian forest composition is poorly understood in the southern Appalachians. In this study, 500-m reaches of 11 riparian forest–stream systems representing a 300-year sere were inventoried and measured to obtain quantitative estimates and descriptions of in-stream LWD. Loading volumes ranged from 7.1 to 31.2 m3/100 m of stream, or between 3.6 and 13.2 kg/m2. LWD loadings were highly variable during midseral stages of plant community succession, primarily because of the wide range in loading of American chestnut (Castaneadentata (Marsh.) Borkh.). Loadings increased linearly in late-successional through old-growth systems over a 165-year interval. Eastern hemlock (Tsugacanadensis (L.) Carrière) and American chestnut were the most dominant carry-over LWD species in midsuccessional stream systems. Loading of eastern hemlock LWD increased from midsuccessional through old-growth stages as the species became dominant in the riparian forest. Without carry-over debris, LWD loadings would be extremely low in midsuccessional stream systems. American chestnut was a major component of LWD in midsuccessional stream systems, despite the fact that it has been unavailable for recruitment for decades.

scholarly journals Bryophyte Conservation in Managed Boreal Landscapes: Fourteen-Year Impacts of Partial Cuts on Epixylic Bryophytes

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Opoku-Nyame ◽  
Alain Leduc ◽  
Nicole J. Fenton
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Coarse Woody Debris ◽  
Black Spruce ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Permanent Plots ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Old Growth Forests ◽  
Over Time

Clear cut harvest simplifies and eliminates old growth forest structure, negatively impacting biodiversity. Partial cut harvest has been hypothesized (1) to have less impact on biodiversity than clear cut harvest, and (2) to encourage old growth forest structures. Long-term studies are required to test this hypothesis as most studies are conducted soon after harvest. Using epixylic bryophytes as indicators, this study addresses this knowledge gap. Fourteen years after harvest, we examined changes in epixylic bryophyte community composition richness and traits, and their microhabitats (coarse woody debris characteristics and microclimate) along an unharvested, partial cuts and clear cuts harvest treatment in 30 permanent plots established in the boreal black spruce (Picea mariana) forests of northwestern Quebec, Canada. Our results were compared to those of an initial post-harvest study (year 5) and to a chronosequence of old growth forests to examine species changes over time and the similarity of bryophyte communities in partial cut and old growth forests. Coarse woody debris (CWD) volume by decay class varied among harvest treatments with partial cuts and clear cuts recording lower volumes of early decay CWD. The epixylic community was richer in partial cuts than in mature unharvested forests and clear cuts. In addition, species richness and overall abundance doubled in partial and clear cuts between years 5 and 14. Species composition also differed among treatments between years 5 and 14. Furthermore, conditions in partial cut stands supported small, drought sensitive, and old growth confined species that are threatened by conditions in clear cut stands. Lastly, over time, species composition in partial cuts became more similar to old growth forests. Partial cuts reduced harvest impacts by continuing to provide favorable microhabitat conditions that support epixylic bryophytes. Also, partial cut harvest has the potential to encourage old growth species assemblages, which has been a major concern for biodiversity conservation in managed forest landscapes. Our findings support the promotion of partial cut harvest as an effective strategy to achieve species and habitat conservation goals.

Vaired Effects of Clear-cut Logging on Predators and Their Habitat in Small Streams of the Cascade Mountains, Oregon

1981 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael L. Murphy ◽  
James D. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Stream Communities ◽  
Second Growth ◽  
Small Streams ◽  
Gradient Effects ◽  
Size Gradient ◽  
Lower Biomass

Assemblages of aquatic vertebrate and insect predators were inventoried in streams in old-growth and logged coniferous forests in the western Cascades of Oregon to assess effects of clear-cut logging on stream communities. Effects associated with logging depended on stream size, gradient, and time after harvest. Clear-cut sections where the stream was still exposed to sunlight (5–17 yr after logging) generally had greater biomass, density, and species richness of predators than old-growth (> 450-yr-old) forested sections. Increases were greatest in small (first-order), high gradient (10–16%) streams, where clear-cut sites had both greater periphyton production and coarser streambed sediment than old-growth sites of similar size and gradient. Effects on predators were mixed in larger, lower gradient streams, where clear-cut sites showed accumulation of sediment and relatively small increases in periphyton production. Second-growth logged sections (12–35 yr after logging), reshaded by deciduous forest canopy, had lower biomass of trout and fewer predator taxa than old-growth sites.Key words: trout, salamanders, insects, logging, sediment, periphyton, watershed management

Volumosina, a new Nearctic genus for the rare old-growth forest fly Herniosina voluminosa Marshall (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae)

2017 ◽  
Vol 149 (4) ◽  
pp. 444-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jindřich Roháček ◽  
Stephen A. Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Large Woody Debris ◽  
New Combination ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
History Data ◽  
Old Growth Forest

AbstractVolumosinanew genus (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae: Limosininae) is described to accomodate the enigmatic Nearctic species Herniosina voluminosa Marshall, 1987 and its relationships are discussed. Based on morphological characters Volumosina is treated as part of the Limosina genus group along with Apteromyia Vimmer, 1929, Gigalimosina Roháček, 1983, Herniosina Roháček, 1983, and Limosina Macquart, 1835 but its position within the group remains unresolved. Volumosina voluminosa (Marshall, 1987) new combination is recorded from Canada and redescribed with new distributional and natural history data suggesting that it is an old-growth specialist associated with large woody debris. The gigantism of the male aedeagal complex of V. voluminosa is discussed.

Woody debris input and function in old-growth and clear-felled headwater streams

2012 ◽  
Vol 286 ◽  
pp. 73-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan M. Burrows ◽  
Regina H. Magierowski ◽  
Jason B. Fellman ◽  
Leon A. Barmuta
Keyword(s):  
Headwater Streams ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
And Function

The temporal development of old-growth structural attributes in second-growth stands: a chronosequence study in the Coastal Western Hemlock zone in British Columbia

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (7) ◽  
pp. 1534-1546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Gerzon ◽  
Brad Seely ◽  
Andy MacKinnon
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Growth Characteristics ◽  
Structural Development ◽  
Coastal Forests ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Growth Structure ◽  
Second Growth

One of the key issues facing forest resource planners is the conservation and recruitment of old-growth characteristics in managed forests. The paucity of long-term data sets in many regions has limited our ability to project the temporal patterns of structural development in second-growth forests. Age-based thresholds have been employed in some jurisdictions, but these lack flexibility and are arbitrary in nature. Here we conduct a chronosequence study consisting of second-growth and old-growth stands in the coastal forests of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, to identify structural attributes that are suitable for quantifying and monitoring the progressive development of old-growth characteristics. The following structural attributes were identified and evaluated in the chronosequence analysis: volume and density of large live stems, standard deviation of stem DBH, density of large-diameter snags, volume of woody debris, and understory vegetation cover. The rate at which old-growth structural characteristics developed in second-growth stands varied considerably, with the earliest reaching levels observed in old-growth stands within 112 years, while most requiring 200 to greater than 250 years. The use of quantifiable measures of old-growth structure will help forest managers plan for the continued protection and recruitment of old-growth structure within managed forest landscapes.

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