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Riparian Thinning Logic Jack Sleeper - Siuslaw National Forest March 20, 2008

This talk outlines the riparian processes, human impacts to riparian areas, and the design and effects of riparian thinning in the Siuslaw National Forest. It discusses the importance of large trees, debris flows, wood and sediment in streams, and the impacts of settlement and road development on riparian areas. The talk also covers the benefits of natural and managed riparian stands, why thinning close to streams is necessary, and the interdisciplinary team's restoration plans. Thinning concerns, stream buffer design, and the development of Douglas-fir stands are also addressed.

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Riparian Thinning Logic Jack Sleeper - Siuslaw National Forest March 20, 2008

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  1. Riparian Thinning Logic Jack Sleeper - Siuslaw National Forest March 20, 2008

  2. Talk Outline • Riparian Processes • Human Impacts to Riparian Areas • Siuslaw NF Thinning Design and Effects

  3. Large Trees

  4. Debris Flows

  5. Wood & Sediment from Debris Flow

  6. Upper Green River Landslide

  7. Valley Floor Buried with Landslide Deposit

  8. Beaver Ponds

  9. Floods

  10. Spruce & Alder Seedlings

  11. Natural Conifer Stands • Large diverse tree species • Disturbance & competition limit dense conifer stands near streams • Conifer stands mostly on toeslope and high terraces • Trees/Acre-lowest in riparian areas and increase upslope • Conifer stands have irregular riparian edges

  12. Large Wood in Streams

  13. Riparian Impacts

  14. Settlement Reduced Large Treesin Riparian Areas

  15. Large Trees Removed Cape Perpetua Florence

  16. Roads Disconnect Riparian Area from Stream

  17. Debris Flow Intercepted by Road Tenmile Creek

  18. Stream Cleaningfor-Transportation-Fish Passage-Cedar Shakes

  19. Natural & Managed Riparian Stands • Natural Stands • Large conifer with few trees/acre • Diverse species • Understory shrubs and trees present • Managed Stands • Small conifer with many trees/acre • Mostly Douglas-fir • Understory shrubs and trees absent

  20. Why Thin Close To Streams? • Large wood has a major influence on aquatic processes and habitat • Large diameter conifers near streams have been reduced • Large wood in streams and on floodplains reduced • Thinning accelerates development of large diameter trees and diverse tree species • Northwest Forest Plan, Endangered Species Act, Essential Fish Habitat

  21. Riparian Thinning Design and Effects

  22. Interdisciplinary Team Plans Restoration Activities Including Thinning

  23. Thinning Concerns • Stream Temperature • Stream Sedimentation • Wood Recruitment to Streams • Windthrow

  24. Stream Buffer Design Variable width • Based on site specific conditions • Follows edge of dense plantation • Protect Unstable Areas • Perennial Streams • First 2 rows of conifer near stream-no cut • Minimum 30 ft no cut buffer from floodplain • average 50-80 ft • Intermittent Streams • First row of conifer near stream-no cut • Minimum 15 ft no cut buffer

  25. Stream No Cut | Thin

  26. Thinned Unit No Cut Buffer

  27. Stream Shade from No Cut Buffer

  28. Dense Vegetation ShadesSmall Streams

  29. Sedimentation

  30. Wood Recruitment

  31. Douglas-firStand Development in Western Oregon Seven Years After Thinning and Underplanting Unthinned 100 Trees/Acre 60 Trees/Acre 30 Trees/Acre

  32. Uncertainty • Thin Density-trees/acre • Thin heavy or light? • Distribution across the landscape • Down Wood • Small pieces now or larger ones later? • Windthrow • How to contract & fund complex design? • Climate Change

  33. Commercial Thinning Funds other Restoration Activities

  34. Precommercial Thinning

  35. Riparian Planting

  36. Conifer Release

  37. Add Large Wood to Streams & Floodplains

  38. Road Decommission 2002 2003 2002 2003 2006 2006

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