Simulating riparian vegetation and aquatic habitat dynamics in response to natural and anthropogenic disturbance regimes in the upper Grande Ronde River, Oregon, USA.

Abstract

This study explored the use of state and transition models (STMs) to evaluate the effects of natural disturbances and land-use practices on aquatic and riparian habitats. The probability of stand-replacing wildfires, underburns, grazing, floods, and debris flows were used to define historical and current disturbance regimes. Model runs illustrated dramatic changes in riparian vegetation, channel conditions, and habitat suitability for anadromous salmonids resulting from changes in disturbance regimes following Euro-American settlement. Limitations in the use of STMs and their potential utility for integrating complex temporal dynamics of riparian and aquatic ecosystems are discussed.

Citation

Wondzell, S.M.; Hemstrom, M.A.; Bisson, P.A. 2007. Simulating riparian vegetation and aquatic habitat dynamics in response to natural and anthropogenic disturbance regimes in the upper Grande Ronde River, Oregon, USA. Landscape and Urban Planning. 80(3): 193-197