Small stream ecosystem variability in the Sierra Nevada of California

Abstract

The quality of aquatic and riparian ecosystems is a function of their condition and the integrity of adjacent uplands in their watersheds. While small streams make up a large proportion of the overall stream network, our knowledge of how they function is still limited. The Kings River Experimental Watershed (KREW) was initiated in 2000 to quantify the variability in characteristics of small stream ecosystems and their associated watersheds in the Sierra Nevada of California. The primary management questions to be answered are the effects of prescribed fire and mechanical thinning on the riparian and stream physical, chemical, and biological conditions. Two mixed conifer sites are being developed. Data will be gathered for at least a 3-year reference period. After fire and harvest treatments are applied, data will be gathered for at least seven years. Each site has a control watershed that receives no treatments, a watershed that is burned, a watershed that is harvested, and a watershed that is both burned and harvested. We are interested in assessing the integrated condition of the streams and their associated riparian and watershed areas (i.e., physical, chemical, and biological characteristics). The watersheds range in size from 49 to 228 ha (120 to 562 acres); a size that can be consistently treated.

Citation

Hunsaker, C.T.; Eagan, S.M. 2003. Small stream ecosystem variability in the Sierra Nevada of California. In: Renard, K.G.; McElroy, S.A.; Gburek, W.J.; Canfield, H.E.; Scott, R.L., eds. First Interagency Conference on Research in the Watersheds. Benson, AZ: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service: 716-721.