Effects of large organic debris on channel morphology and process, and anadromous fish habitat in steep mountain, coast redwood environments
Merritt NJ. 1980. Effects of large organic debris on channel morphology and process, and anadromous fish habitat in steep mountain, coast redwood environments
The coast redwood forest streams investigated here are Hayes and Little Lost Man creeks, Redwood National Park, California. Particularly in small-to-medium streams, large organic debris can influence channel form and habitat suitability, along with patterns of sediment erosion, deposition, or storage. The steps and pools developed in the study streams as a result of the riparian debris are important to anadromous fish, and the paper points out the detrimental effects to these processes from some logging practices. Among the conclusions is a recommendation for development of an adequate management program (with monitoring) for timber harvest. Figures include cross sections and grain distribution graphs for each of 6 sample sites, with a composite graph for comparison. One table relates debris loading to upstream drainage area, order and slope, and another compares the effect of organic debris on the two study streams. A pocket contains a large folded morphologic map of Hayes Reach Creek (August 1979), with legend and a profile..
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Merritt, Nancy
- Date of Issue
- 1980-02
- Units
- REDW
- Keywords
- 1991, 1992, 1993, Anadromous Fish, Animal Studies, Debris, egg predators, Erosion, Grain Size, Habitats, Haplotaxis ichthyophagous, Hayes Creek, Little Lost Man Creek, Logging, Map, native fish stocks, Oligochaete worms, Oncorhynchus kisutch, Pools (Stream), Prairie Creek Bibliography, Redwood National Park CA, River Channel, Rivers & Streams, salmonid redds, sediment storage, Sedimentation (Fluvial), Worms