Treesearch

Probability sampling methods applicable to estimate recreational use are presented. Both single- and multiple-access recreation sites are considered. One- and two-stage sampling methods are presented. Estimation of recreational use is presented in a series of examples.

Local (county) variations in key social and economic indicators are important in Oregon and Washington. Covered employment, wage and salary, unemployment, and population data for 1987 through 1997 showed regional trends in these indicators, which are compared with national trends. Future updates will be published in the “Production, Prices, Employment, and Trade in Northwest Forest Industries” series from the Pacific Northwest Research Station.

The Starkey Project, a large-scale, multidisciplinary research venture, began in 1987 in the Starkey Experimental Forest and Range in northeast Oregon. Researchers are studying effects of forest management on interactions and habitat use of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus hemionus), elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni), and cattle. A habitat database was compiled, using GIS (geographic information systems), to examine relations of environmental variables to ungulate distribution and habitat use. The database contains over 100 variables associated with vegetation, water, soils, roads, topography,...

Decreased root biomass in forest trees in response to anthropogenic pollutants is believed to be one of the first steps in forest health degradation. Although decreased root biomass has been observed in controlled experiments, ozone eff€ects on mature tree roots in natural stands has not previously been documented. Here we report standing root biomass of ponderosa pine at three sites in the San Bernardino Mountains distributed along a known, long-term pollution gradient of ozone and nitrogen deposition. Trees at each site were assessed for foliar ozone injury and below-ground attributes,...

As part of the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project, 198 small communities were assessed for their ability to deal with change and the characteristics that contribute to this ability. Scientists conducted on-the-ground studies and had communities assess themselves.The data revealed complex differences, patterns, and underlying relationships. Large populations and diverse economies contributed to resiliency. Other crucial factors include civic leadership, how well communities work together toward common goals, and the presence of amenities (the attractiveness of both the...

In our first issue, we describe research that reflects our responsiveness to natural events and our ability to address issues over time. Floods can bring tragedy in the wake of their destruction. Floods also are a natural process that has shaped our landscapes. We hope that our scientific information helps people make wise choices that influence floods associated with forest lands.

How can we maintain biodiversity as human population levels continue to increase at a rapid rate? This issue of Science Findings focuses on southern California, one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the country, and home of 1.5 million people. Pacific Northwest Research scientist Ross Kiester, in conjunction with a cooperative research agreement with Harvard University, developed six models to illustrate how development might impact the area. Kiester's approach was this: rather than focusing on how to keep people out to save biodiversity, how can we keep people in the area with the...

This issue examines research the Station has been conducting on how catastrophic disturbances affect fish habitat. Whereas our February issue discussed the physical dynamics of a flood on a landscape, here we expand to major disturbances in general while narrowing in a fish habitat still at a landscape scale.Our work in this area is unfolding new knowledge about very complex ecological processes. We are beginning to understand how fish are weed like opportunists as they take advantage of natural cycling over long-time scales and large areas.As scientists, one conclusion we have made about...

Examining biophysical and social conditions, trends, and opportunities, the Columbia basin assessment draws a composite picture of the basin with two integrated measures: ecological integrity (the presence and functioning of ecological components and processes) and socioeconomic resiliency (the social and economic adaptability of a geographic area to outside economic influences like reduction of timber supply). The resulting pictures is complex with great variation across the basin. Scientists used these two measures to balance ecological risk, management opportunity, and public choice. An...

Adaptive management is a fusion of science and managment used to improve and care for natural resources. This issue of "Science Findings" centers on how this type of management is used to tame wildfire incidents in northeastern Oregon's Blue Mountain range.The following article considers how adaptive management is being used by the La Grande, Oregon-based Blue Mountains Natural Resources Institute (BMNRI). The institute, with headquaters in the La Grande Ranger District, Wallowa Whitman National Forest, uses adaptive management as part of the Limber Jim project to assess several logging...