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Effects of Logging on Periphyton in Coastal Streams of Oregon
Author(s) -
Hansmann Eugene W.,
Phinney Harry K.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1934390
Subject(s) - periphyton , logging , watershed , streams , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , slash (logging) , ecology , algae , geology , biology , computer network , computer science , geotechnical engineering , machine learning
Changes in the stream algal flora were observed during a multi—disciplinary logging study of small watersheds in Oregon. Clearcut logging was applied to one watershed of 71 hectares, while a second watershed of 304 ha was patch—out leaving a buffer—strip of vegetation along the stream channel. A third watershed of 203 ha was not logged but remained as a control. Pre—logging and post—logging oxygen levels, temperature, and sedimentation loads were analyzed. Access roads were built in 1963, and logging completed in 1966. Analysis of the algal communities of the three watershed streams prior to the logging operation of 1966 indicated that the communities were predominantly a periphyton type composed mainly of diatoms. Immediately following the yarding operation of the clearcut watershed, large quantities of Sphaerotilus natans colonized all debris and mud in the stream, and a change in the algal floral appeared to take place. Large mats of green algae were observed colonizing all mud and slash. Results from glass substrates indicate that some changes may have taken place in the diatom community.