Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Soil and water effects are an important resource concern when forest health, fuels and salvage treatments are considered in the Pacific Northwest, particularly on public lands. Primary project outputs included publications, seminars and training sessions that reviewed diverse research findings and other technical information on the soil and water effects of wildfire and related forest operations, and practices to reduce or mitigate negative impacts. In addition, selected field studies were conducted to enhance the local data and knowledge base. This work has a unique emphasis on information and interpretation specifically targeted and designed for forest land owners and managers, decision makers, and the interested public. Two graduate students conducted research on soil compaction effects of salvage and forest health treatments, including a PhD program advisee whose further work beyond the project termination date will integrate soil compaction and site productivity management and policy considerations for such treatments on National Forest lands. The most significant outputs and dissemination activities over the life of the project include: 1) A published review of more than three decades of research on soil compaction effects and management practices and policies for forest operations in the Pacific Northwest; 2) A published review of research literature on the watershed effects of wildfire; 3) A published review of more than three decades of management practices and policies for water resource protection with forest operations in the Pacific Northwest; 4) A book chapter with research-based guidance for planning forest management practices to limit undesirable soil and water impacts; 5) A published report of regional research studies that show the efficacy of measures to limit soil impacts from forest thinning treatments; 6) Seminars and training sessions for landowners and forest managers throughout Oregon on research findings and management guidance on the soil and water effects of wildfire and forest practices, including forest health, fuels and salvage treatments; and 7) Seminars, field tours and Congressional testimony for policy makers and interested citizens on the soil and water effects of wildfire and forest health, fuels and salvage treatments, and related policy issues. PARTICIPANTS: Paul W. Adams, PI/PD, primary project author, researcher and educator. Graduate Students: Sabrina Litton (Master of Forestry, 2004-2006), Terry Craigg (Master of Forestry and Ph.D., 2007-present). Key publication/research collaborators and partner organizations included R.E. Miller, T.L. Craigg, and G.G. Ice, the USDA Forest Service, the National Council on Air and Stream Improvement, Inc., the USDI Bureau of Land Management and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute. The PI/PD made project-related contributions to: 1) training for the Oregon Association of Water Utilities to maintain professional credentialing for water utility managers; and 2) seminars and field tours that qualified for professional continuing education credits from the Society of American Foresters. TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences for seminars, field tours and training sessions included family forest owners, forestry and other natural resource professionals, community leaders and elected officials, and the interested public. Among the notable organizations that were represented: 1) Oregon Association of Water Utilities (primarily municipal water utility managers); 2) Several Watershed Councils (primarily local landowners and natural resource managers) in Oregon; 3) Central Oregon Forest Science and Stakeholders Group (interest groups and resource managers); 4) Blue Mountains Forest Partners Science Forum (interest groups and resource managers); 5) USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management personnel; 6) Society of American Foresters (national, state, and local units); 7) Oregon Board of Forestry; 8) State and federal legislators and/or their staffl; and 9) County commissioners. Audiences for publications include researchers, forest resource managers and specialists, forest landowners, and policy and decision makers and specialists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Forest landowners and managers now have improved awareness and understanding of soil and water effects and management of forest operations, including forest health and fuels treatments. Some are expected to implement practices such as designated skid trails and soil tillage to avoid or reduce negative resource impacts. Policy and decision makers and community leaders now have improved awareness and understanding of the benefits of active management of forests in contrast to the undesirable impacts of severe wildfire and forest health problems. Some are expected to actively support such management and policies that promote or facilitate its implementation.
Publications
- Adams, P.W. and E. Rhoad. 2009. [Abstract] SAF reviews and responds to federal forest policy proposals. Paper presented at the 2nd Symposium on American Forest Policy, Society of American Foresters National Convention, October, Orlando, FL.
- Ice, G.G. and P.W. Adams. 2008 (not included in the 2008 annual project report). [Abstract] Science, Policy and Management Issues in Forest Hydrology: The NAS/NRC Report, Hydrologic Effects of a Changing Forest Landscape, as a Case Study. Poster paper presented at the Society of American Foresters National Convention, November, Reno, NV.
- Adams, P.W. 2009. Supplement to Oregons Forest Protection Laws, An Illustrated Manual. Oregon Forest Resources Institute, Portland, OR.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Soil compaction is an important resource concern when forest health, fuels and salvage treatments are considered, particularly on public lands. Planning for PhD research by a graduate student advisee (Terry Craigg, Soil Scientist, USDA Forest Service) continued for a project that integrates soil compaction and site productivity management and policy considerations for such treatments on federal forest lands. A multi-author paper was published by the USDA Forest Service PNW Research Station, which highlights results of field studies of post-thinning tree growth near compacted skid trails. A book chapter was published that includes research-based guidance for planning forest management practices to reduce or avoid undesirable soil and water impacts. In addition, significant writing and/or editing contributions were made for two updated professional (Oregon Society of American Foresters) position statements on: 1) Salvage Harvesting and 2) Active Management to Achieve and Maintain Healthy Forests. Research findings and forest operations guidance on the soil effects of forest management practices, including forest health and fuels treatments, were summarized and presented in seminars to woodland owner audiences in four locations in Oregon. A seminar on wildfire effects and forest health and fuels management was presented to a local civic group (Corvallis Kiwanis). A training seminar on forest practices and management to reduce or avoid source water problems was presented to Oregon water utility personnel. PARTICIPANTS: P.W. Adams (PI), Professor, Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management; R.E. Miller (publication co-author); and T.L. Craigg (Graduate Student), USDA Forest Service. TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences for seminars included: 1) Non-industrial forest landowners; 2) Oregon Association of Water Utilities (primarily municipal water utility managers); 3) forestry professionals; and 4) local community leaders. Audiences for publications are expected to include researchers, forest resource managers and specialists, forest landowners, policy and decision makers and specialists. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Woodland owners and managers now have improved awareness and understanding of soil and water effects and management of forest operations, including forest health and fuels treatments. Some are expected to implement practices such as designated skid trails to avoid or reduce negative resource impacts. Policy and decision makers and community leaders now have improved awareness and understanding of the benefits of active management of forests in contrast to the undesirable impacts of severe wildfire and forest health problems. Some are expected to actively support such management and policies that promote or facilitate its implementation.
Publications
- Adams, P.W. 2008. Watershed management: Evaluating forest practice opportunities. Chapter 16. In: J.D. Stednick, ed. The Alsea Watershed Study Revisited. Ecological Studies Vol. 199. Springer, New York, NY.
- Miller, R.E., J. Smith, P.W. Adams and H.W. Anderson. 2007 (released in 2008). Growth of Douglas-fir near equipment trails used for commercial thinning in the Oregon Coast Range. Research Paper PNW-RP-574. Pacific Northwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Portland, OR. 33 p.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Soil compaction is an important resource concern when forest health, fuels and salvage treatments are considered, particularly on public lands. Initial planning for PhD research by a new graduate student advisee was begun for a project that is expected to integrate soil compaction and site productivity management and policy considerations for such treatments on federal forest lands. In addition, a multi-author manuscript was accepted for publication (USDA Forest Service PNW Research Station), highlighting results of field studies of post-thinning tree growth near compacted skid trails. Current research results on the soil and water effects and management of wildfire and forest health and fuels treatments were summarized and presented in seminars and on field tours. A review paper on forest stream protection was published in the journal Forest Science (Adams 2007), which includes discussion of issues and concerns related to forest health and wildfire hazards. In addition, a
multi-author review paper on the topic of post-fire timber salvage and forest restoration considerations was written and submitted to the journal Forest Ecology and Management. This manuscript includes discussion of soil and water concerns and management with salvage operations.
PARTICIPANTS: P.W. Adams (PI), Professor, Department of Forest Engineering; R.E. Miller (publication co-author) & T.L. Craigg (graduate student), USDA Forest Service. A training seminar conducted for Oregon Association of Water Utilities was part of a continuing education program to maintain professional credentialing for water utility managers.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences for seminar and field tour summaries of research findings included: 1) Oregon Association of Water Utilities (primarily municipal water utility managers); 2) Alsea Watershed Council (primarily local landowners and natural resource managers); 3) Central Oregon Forest Science and Stakeholders Group (interest groups and resource managers); and 4) Blue Mountains Forest Partners Science Forum (interest groups and resource managers). Audiences for publications are expected to include researchers, forest resource managers and specialists, forest landowners, policy and decision makers and specialists.
Impacts
Although a direct evaluation of changes in behavior has not been conducted, audiences for seminars and field tours supported by the project have provided positive formal and informal feedback about these programs, including support for specific forest management practices that help reduce wildfire hazards and protect soil and water resources.
Publications
- Adams, P.W. 2007. Policy and management for headwater streams in the Pacific Northwest: Synthesis and reflection. Forest Science 53(2):104-118.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Soil compaction is an important resource concern when forest health, fuels and salvage treatments are considered, particularly on public lands. Field studies of compaction and other physical soil effects of both forest health and post-fire salvage treatments were conducted on four operational units on the Sisters Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest in summer and fall 2005. Soil measurements included infiltration, penetration resistance, bulk density, and moisture retention. Statistical analysis and interpretation of the data led to a written summary of the findings (Litton 2006), which were also shared as a poster paper at the 29th Annual Meeting of the Council on Forest Engineering in Coeur D'Alene, ID, 30 July-2 August, 2006. In addition, a technical comment about a high-profile paper about some effects of post-fire salvage harvest operations in southwest Oregon was published in the journal Science (Newton and others 2006).
Impacts
A cohesive picture of key research findings should help improve the quality of management plans and choices by forest resource managers and decision makers. By addressing related concerns about wildfire, forest management and watershed resources in a direct and clear style, public understanding should improve also.
Publications
- Newton, M., S. Fitzgerald, R.R. Rose, P.W. Adams, S.D. Tesch, J. Sessions, T. Atzet, R.F. Powers and C. Skinner. 2006. Comment on post-wildfire logging hinders regeneration and increases fire risk. Science 313(5787):615.
- Litton, S.M.* 2006. Physical characteristics of forest soils after timber harvest and tillage in central Oregon: A case study. Master of Forestry paper. Forest Engineering Department, Oregon State Univ., Corvallis. 64 p. *Graduate student advisee of P.W. Adams.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Soil compaction is an important resource concern when forest health, fuels and salvage treatments are considered, particularly on public lands. Related research, management approaches and public policies were summarized, including discussion of refinements that may better reflect current knowledge and resource management realities (Adams 2005; Murphy and Adams 2005). Another review of recent federal policies and administration discussed how these broader and highly restrictive management constraints likely contributed to major forest resource impacts from increased forest health and wildfire problems in the Pacific Northwest (Mealey and others 2005). Field studies of compaction and other physical soil effects of both forest health and post-fire salvage treatments were conducted on four operational units on the Sisters Ranger District of the Deschutes National Forest in summer and fall 2005. Soil measurements included infiltration, penetration resistance, bulk density,
and moisture retention. Compilation, analysis, and interpretation of these data will continue, and a written summary of the findings is expected to be completed by summer 2006.
Impacts
A cohesive picture of key research findings should help improve the quality of management plans and choices by forest resource managers and decision makers. By addressing related concerns about wildfire, forest management and watershed resources in a direct and clear style, public understanding should improve also.
Publications
- Adams, P.W. 2005. Research and policies to address concerns about soil compaction from ground-based timber harvest in the Pacific Northwest: Evolving knowledge and needed refinements. p. 22-30 In: Proceedings, Soil, Water, and Timber Management: Forest Engineering Solutions in Response to Forest Regulation, 28th Council on Forest Engineering Meeting, July 11-14, Fortuna, CA.
- Mealey, S.P., J.W. Thomas, H.J. Salwasser, R.E. Stewart, P.J. Balint and P.W. Adams. 2005. Precaution in the American Endangered Species Act as a precursor to environmental decline: The Case of the Northwest Forest Plan. Chapter 12. In: Biodiversity and the Precautionary Principle: Risk and Uncertainty in Conservation and Sustainable Use. R. Cooney and B. Dickson, eds. Earthscan / James & James, London, UK.
- Murphy, G. and P.W. Adams. 2005. Harvest planning to sustain value along the forest-to-mill supply chain. p. 17-23 In: Productivity of Western Forests: A Forest Products Focus. C.A. Harrington and S.H. Schoenholtz, eds. General Technical Report PNW-GTR-642. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, Portland, OR.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Initial work to review and summarize existing research on the watershed effects of fire culminated in an overview publication for woodland owners (Adams 2003), a state-of-the-science article in a fire theme issue of the Journal of Forestry (Ice and others 2004a), and also contributed to a book chapter on the effects of forest practices (including prescribed burning) on water quantity and quality (Ice and others 2004b). Similar work on the topic of post-fire salvage logging effects on soil and water resources led to a feature article for professional foresters in the Pacific Northwest (Adams 2004a) as well as invited Congressional testimony that included a summary of research findings and references (Adams 2004b). Administrative appeals and lawsuits precluded the initiation of field studies of salvage harvest effects on soil and water resources that had been planned for 2004. However, during this period the investigator provided substantial technical assistance for two
cooperative studies of forest health treatments in central Oregon (Warm Springs Reservation and Deschutes National Forest) that included monitoring of soil effects, which will likely lead to published research findings. In addition, field studies of soil effects in several forest health and salvage treatment demonstration areas (which are completed and/or are not subject to appeals or lawsuits) now are expected to begin in summer 2005.
Impacts
By providing a cohesive and relevant picture of important research findings, outputs of this project should help improve the quality of management plans and choices by forest resource managers and other key decision makers. By addressing major questions and concerns about wildfire, forest health, and forest operations and watershed resources in a direct and clear style, knowledge and understanding of the interested public should improve also.
Publications
- Adams, P.W. 2003. Twice-burned resources? Forest watersheds after wildfire. Northwest Woodlands 19(4):12-13.
- Adams, P.W. 2004a. Invited Congressional testimony, "In the Aftermath of Catastrophic Events: Restoring and Protecting Communities, Water, Wildlife, and Forests" field hearing, Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, Committee on Resources, US House of Representatives. August 18, 2004, Sisters, Oregon. Available at: http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/archives/108/testimony/2004/paula dams.pdf
- Adams, P.W. 2004b. Mugging which burn victim? The salvage controversy. Western Forester 49(3):6-7. Available at: http://www.forestry.org/pdf/june04.pdf
- Ice, G.G., D.G. Neary and P.W. Adams. 2004a. Effects of wildfire on soils and watershed processes. Journal of Forestry 102(6):16-20.
- Ice, G.G., P.W. Adams, R.L. Beschta, H.A. Froehlich and G. Brown. 2004b. Forest management to meet water quality and fisheries objectives: Watershed studies and assessment tools in the Pacific Northwest. p. 239-261 In: A Century of Forest and Wildland Watershed Lessons. G.G. Ice and J.D. Stednick, eds. Society of American Foresters, Bethesda, MD.
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