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SNAG AND LARGE WOODY DEBRIS DYNAMICS IN RIPARIAN FORESTS
Citation:
Barker, J. R., P L. Ringold, AND M. A. Bollman. SNAG AND LARGE WOODY DEBRIS DYNAMICS IN RIPARIAN FORESTS. Presented at Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Snowbird, UT, August 6-10, 2000.
Description:
Important components of riparian forests are snags and streamside large woody debris (LWD) because they are functional in maintaining water quality and providing habitat for numerous plants and animals. To effectively manage riparian forests, it is important to understand the dynamics of snags and LWD in riparian forests. A probability sample stratified by stream size and forest type selected 110 sites for study in western Oregon. Snag and LWD size, density, and frequency by species were measured with distance upslope from the stream channel within a 40x40-m plot. Attributes such as ecoregion, stream order, streamside geomorphic surface, forest type, elevation, and management practice were used to statistically evaluate patterns of snag and woody debris dynamics in western Oregon. Data analyses suggest that snag and LWD dynamics do differ with stream size, elevation, geomorphic surface, and management practice. For example, snags were more common on first and second order streams than on higher order streams. Causal mechanisms for the observed patterns in snag and LWD dynamics in riparian forests will be explored.