Virtual Trail for Olympic Habitat Development Study

Description

The information presented here is the result of a long-term scientific study that started in 1994 as a cooperative effort between the Pacific Northwest Research Station and the Olympic National Forest.

Forests and ecosystems change in time, maturing or “aging” just as any other living thing. A stand of young trees will grow into a mature forest and as more time goes by, this mature forest eventually develops into an old-growth forest. As a forest becomes older, it increases in structural complexity and the array of organisms it supports changes. Logging during the 20th century greatly reduced the area of old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest, thus reducing the habitat available for species that depend on this forest type.

Over the past 30 years there has been much greater recognition of the links between the amount of old-growth habitat and populations of specific species (e.g., spotted owl and marbled murrelet). We need to increase the amount of suitable habitat if we want to ensure survival and long-term viability of these species. This has led managers to ask, “Can we use forest management practices to accelerate the development of specific characteristics associated with old-growth forests?” The Olympic Habitat Development Study was designed to answer this question by applying management treatments in 40- to 80-year-old conifer stands on the Olympic Peninsula.

Purpose and Scope

This interactive Web site features photos, maps, and original artwork. Visitors can explore a study site on the Olympic Peninsula and learn about some of the silvicultural techniques that have been suggested for use in accelerating the development of structures and ecological communities associated with old-growth forests.

Virtual Trail for Olympic Habitat Development Study