Influence of Timber Harvest and Floods on the Distribution of Exotic Riparian Plants

Publisher: USGS | Science Center: Western Ecological Research Center (WERC, Sacramento) | Format: URL

www.werc.usgs.gov — Riparian vegetation is intimately linked to the stream and river channels along which it grows. This project addresses the status of the riparian zone along Redwood Creek north coastal California, and answers three questions: 1) How have the overstory riparian conditions changed in Redwood Creek and major tributaries since the advent of timber More... Riparian vegetation is intimately linked to the stream and river channels along which it grows. This project addresses the status of the riparian zone along Redwood Creek north coastal California, and answers three questions: 1) How have the overstory riparian conditions changed in Redwood Creek and major tributaries since the advent of timber harvest and following large floods (post-1948)? 2) What are the current distributions of conifers (Douglas fir and redwood) and exotics in the understory riparian stands in the Redwood Creek basin? 3) What are the implications of the changes in riparian composition for the long-term potential for shading and large woody debris recruitment to this coho-bearing river? Less...