Subject: Re: more on spotted owl old growth, from a researcher
Date: May 4 11:49:49 1995
From: "Roger Peffer" - rpeffer at ctc.ctc.edu


This isn't about spotties in particular but some of the people on Tweeters are
into other things besides birds...

I am presently researching how the quantity and arrangement of coarse woody
debris might affect populations of small mammals, mycorrhizal fungi, etc. In
particular, in areas where wildfires occurred and after salvage logging. My focu
area will be the Wenatchee Natl. Forest in last years fire zones. If anyone
might have interests or comments about this topic please E-mail me directly.
Thank you.
Roger Peffer- rpeffer at ctc.edu

> In Washington and Oregon, the only way to maintain structural complexity
> among young stands is to leave it there (i.e. don't cut or burn it all).
> Wildfires generally DO leave pockets of old trees (particularly in the
> drainages where conditions are moister) when they burn. Clear-cuts rarely
> leave any large timber behind. Contrary to the claims of the timber
> industry, clear-cuts are NOT exactly like wildfires!
>
> In addition to leaving forest structure, leaving the soil intact may be very
> important. The fungi in the soil are an important food source for flying
> squirrels, and are important for tree growth. Clear-cut methods (and some
> "shelterwood" methods) generally destroy the soil fungi and result in very
> poor owl habitat. Wildfire leaves the soil intact, allowing quicker
> regeneration of owl habitat. Furthermore, leaving dead trees on the ground
> can provide valuable substrate for other fungi, and habitat for voles
> (other important owl prey species).


********************************************************************************
Roger Peffer- rpeffer at ctc.edu 509-662-1651 X2017
Wenatchee Valley College
Biology/Chemistry Departments
1300 Fifth Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801