Edge effects and the effective size of old-growth coast redwood preserves

Abstract

Data were collected to determine the depth of influence of conditions created by clear-cut timber harvest on adjacent old-growth stands of coast redwood. Fourteen variables related to stand structure and composition, wildlife habitat, and physical environment exhibited significant correlation to distance from the timber harvest boundary. Results were applied to the core area model (Laurence and Yensen 1991) to determine the effective size of forest preserves, and to make recommendations on the size and function of buffer zones. The core area model was used to determine the effective size of the five old-growth patches associated with the study sites. A significant loss in total preserve area due to the presence of induced edges occurred in all cases.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Russell, William H.; McBride, Joe R.; Carnell, Ky. 2000. Edge effects and the effective size of old-growth coast redwood preserves. In: McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-3. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 128-136