Treesearch

The California Wildlife-Habitat Relationship (WHR) system was tested for birds breeding in the Valley-Foothill Riparian habitat along California's Sacramento and South Fork Kern rivers. The model performed poorly with 33 pct and 21 pct correct predictions respectively at the two locations. Changes to the model for 60 species on the Sacramento River and 66 species on the Kern River are recommended. Special problems, such as differences in habitat suitability among study areas and how the model treats threatened and endangered species, are discussed and solutions are suggested.

Chronic surface and mass erosion from recent landslides often prevents the recovery of productive stream habitats following initial mass failure events. Low-cost methods that can accelerate recovery and stabilization processes have been employed on numerous failed slopes in the Six Rivers National Forest in the northwest corner of California, with notable success. Two treatment methods, toe erosion control and revegetation have wide applicability in situations where funding is scarce.

Monitoring human impact on outdoor recreation sites and view landscapes is necessary to evaluate influences which may require corrective action and to determine if management is achieving desired goals. An inexpensive method to monitor environmental change is to establish camera points and use repeat color slides. Successful monitoring from slides requires the observer to determine if there are increases or decreases of trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants; bare ground or duff; screening by trees; and soil erosion. Illustrated guidelines are given for land managers who must monitor human...

Logistic regression equations predicting the probability that a tree will die from natural causes--insects, diseases, intertree competition--within 10 years have been developed for California red fir (Abies magnifica) and white fir (A. concolor). The equations, like those with a 5-year prediction period already developed for these species, are based on analysis of crown and bole characteristics of trees, and are readily programmed into pocket calculators for field use. For user convenience, the equations are formulated into Award-Penalty Point Systems, in which a tree is awarded or...

The proceedings is a collection of papers presented at the Symposium on Research and Management of Annosus Root Disease (Heterobasidion annosum) in Western North America held in Monterey, California, April 18-21, 1989. As the first symposium dealing with this subject in the western United States, the papers presented address current research and management issues relating to the topics of biology, ecology, epidemiology, and genetics of Heterobasidion annosum; symptomatology, diagnosis, disease loss, and impacts; factors affecting loss and impact; and management strategies relating to...

A computer program, MIX, was designed to identify pairs of chemicals whose interaction results in a response that departs significantly from the model predicated on the assumption of independent, uncorrelated joint action. This report describes the MIX program, its statistical basis, and instructions for its use.

This personal account of USDA Forest Service activities in Hawaii is from the vantage point of an author who during his two decades there served as the sole Forest Service representative in the Hawaiian Islands, then research center leader, and finally the Director of the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry. People who served in research and technical assistance capacities, including cooperators from other agencies, and their accomplishments are highlighted. A list of all publications and reports issued during the 20-year period is included.

In the 1950s, timber on steep granitic terrain in Trinity County, California was harvested by using the logging techniques of the time. After Trinity Dam was built in the 1960s, it became evident these techniques were not suited to quality riparian habitat and healthy anadromous fisheries. Since adoption of the Z'berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act in 1973, efforts have been expended to repair damage that has been done to riparian vegetation, and find forest practices compatible with granitic soils.

Riparian ecosystems have been divided into three basic types; hydroriparian, mesoriparian, and xeroriparian associated in the desert lowlands with perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral water respectively. Floral species associated with these ecosystems can be divided into four categories; obligate, preferential, facultative, and nonriparian. Additionally, various site characteristics such as (1) latitude, (2) elevation, (3) soil, (4) slope, (5) exposure, (6) water periodicity, and (7) water chemistry, create a complex matrix of terms with each one needing delineation. Few of these...

Coyote Creek, along with its associated watershed in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, is an extremely rich riparian system in the Colorado Desert of California. It provides habitat for the least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), is used as a critical summer watering site for the peninsular bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis cremnobates), and was the site of major use and encampment by the Cahuilla Indians. Management activities have focused on maintaining or enhancing the integrity of the riparian system. Activities such as eliminating off-highway vehicle use and removing cattle with...