Physical consequences of large organic debris in Pacific Northwest streams.

Frederick J. Swanson; George W. Lienkaemper

Treesearch

Physical consequences of large organic debris in Pacific Northwest streams.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Frederick J. Swanson, George W. Lienkaemper

Year:

1978

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-069. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station: 1-12

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Abstract

Large organic debris in streams controls the distribution of aquatic habitats, the routing of sediment through stream systems, and the stability of streambed and banks. Management activities directly alter debris loading by addition or removal of material and indirectly by increasing the probability of debris torrents and removing standing streamside trees. We propose that by this combination of factors the character of small and intermediate-sized streams in steep forested terrain of the Pacific Northwest is being substantially altered by forest practices.

Keywords

sedimentation, stream environment, fish habitat, water quality

Citation

Swanson, Frederick J.; Lienkaemper, George W. 1978. Physical consequences of large organic debris in Pacific Northwest streams. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-069. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station: 1-12