Relationships of dead wood patterns with biophysical characteristics and ownership according to scale in Coastal Oregon,USA |
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Authors: | Rebecca S H Kennedy Thomas A Spies Matthew J Gregory |
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Institution: | (1) Forestry Sciences Laboratory, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;(2) Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, 321 Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA |
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Abstract: | Dead wood patterns and dynamics vary with biophysical factors, disturbance history, ownership, and management practices; the
relative importance of these factors is poorly understood, especially at landscape to regional scales. This study examined
current dead wood amounts in the Coastal Province of Oregon, USA, at multiple spatial scales. Objectives were to: (1) describe
current regional amounts of several characteristics of dead wood; (2) compare dead wood amounts across ownerships; (3) determine
the relative importance, according to spatial scale, of biophysical and ownership characteristics, to regional dead wood abundance.
Dead wood plot data were evaluated with respect to explanatory variables at four spatial scales of resolution: plots, subwatersheds,
watersheds and subbasins. The relationships of dead wood characteristics with biophysical attributes and ownership were diverse
and scale-specific. Region-wide dead wood abundance and types varied among ownerships, with public lands typically having
higher amounts of dead wood and more large dead wood than private lands. Regression analysis of total dead wood volume indicated
that ownership was important at the subbasin scale. Growing season moisture stress was important at plot, subwatershed, and
watershed scales. Topography was important at the two coarser scales. Multivariate analysis of dead wood gradients showed
that ownership was important at all scales, topography at the subbasin scale, historical vegetation at watershed and subbasin
scales, and current vegetation at plot and subwatershed scales. Management for dead wood and related biodiversity at watershed
to landscape scales should consider the distinct dynamics of snags and logs, the importance of historical effects, and the
relevance of ownership patterns. |
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Keywords: | Coarse woody debris Snags Logs Legacy Forest management Landscape ecology Topography Forest history Climate Coast range |
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