Spawning bed sedimentation studies in northern California streams
Burns JW. 1970. Spawning bed sedimentation studies in northern California streams. California Fish and Game. 56(4):253-270
One of the 6 streams monitored in this study of sedimentation in spawning beds is Godwood Creek, a tributary to Prairie Creek (Redwood National Park, California). The study examined size changes in spawning bed materials to determine effects of logging on salmonid habitat. In four test streams sampled before, during, and after logging, spawning bed composition was found to be different after logging, 'roughly in proportion to the amount of streambank disturbance.' Heavier sedimentation occurred in narrow streams with pebble beds than in larger ones with gravel. During the 3-year study, several control streams (including Godwood Creek, with unlogged old growth) changed very little. Results show the need for measures to control erosion, particularly during road construction near streams and removal of debris from streams. Includes data tables and several photographs.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Burns, James
- Units
- REDW
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Erosion, Godwood Creek Redwood National Park CA, Habitats, Impacts, Logging, Rivers & Streams, Salmonids (Salmonidae), Sediment (Fluvial), Spawning