Chapter 5: Ecoregion 6.2.7 Cascades: H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Oregon

Abstract

This chapter is a review and synthesis of research on stream nutrients from the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA) located in the western Cascade Mountains of Oregon. This research includes studies, some of which originated in the 1960s, in streams through reference forests and harvested watersheds. In addition to providing foundational information for researchers and managers, the information in this chapter serves to inform national and regional water quality regulatory agencies about results of relevant scientific studies at HJA. The chapter also identifies questions of potential interest to regulatory agencies involving processes of transport, transformation, and uptake of nutrients that could be addressed at HJA. In the Pacific Northwest, many species of anadromous fish are declining and at risk of extinction. As a result, several species of anadromous salmon and trout (salmonids) have been listed under the federal and state of Oregon Endangered Species Acts (16 U.S.C. 153110536, 1538-1540; ORS 496.171-496.192). Causes of these species’ decline include deterioration of critical habitat conditions in the region’s rivers and streams. Several of these critical habitat features are related to water quality, including stream water temperature and sediment load. Streamside vegetation plays an important role in providing favorable habitat for these fish by providing shade, erosion control, and serving as a source of instream large wood. Measures to protect and restore habitat for these at-risk species have had economic and social impacts across the region.

Parent Publication

• Biological responses to stream nutrients: a synthesis of science from experimental forests and ranges

Citation

Johnson, Sherri; Argerich, Alba; Borok, Aron; Sobota, Daniel; Danehy, Robert J. 2021. Chapter 5: Ecoregion 6.2.7 Cascades: H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Oregon. In: Ryan, Douglas F., ed. 2021. Biological responses to stream nutrients: a synthesis of science from experimental forests and ranges. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-981. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station: 87-113.