Stream buffers ameliorate the effects of timber harvest on amphibians in the Cascade Range of southern Washington, USA
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Published source details
Pollett K.L., MacCracken J.G. & MacMahon J.A. (2010) Stream buffers ameliorate the effects of timber harvest on amphibians in the Cascade Range of southern Washington, USA. Forest Ecology and Management, 260, 1083-1087.
Published source details Pollett K.L., MacCracken J.G. & MacMahon J.A. (2010) Stream buffers ameliorate the effects of timber harvest on amphibians in the Cascade Range of southern Washington, USA. Forest Ecology and Management, 260, 1083-1087.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Retain riparian buffer strips during timber harvest Action Link |
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Retain riparian buffer strips during timber harvest
A replicated, controlled, site comparison study in 2001 of amphibians in 41 forest streams in Washington, USA (Pollett, MacCracken & MacMahon 2010) found that where buffers were retained during clearcutting, densities of two of three species were significantly higher. Densities were significantly higher with buffers than without for tailed frogs Ascaphus truei (0.4 vs 0/m2) and cascade torrent salamander Rhyacotriton cascadae (0.5 vs 0.2). For both species, densities were significantly higher in unharvested forests (0.7 and 1.5/m2 respectively) but not secondary forests (0.2 and 0.6). In contrast, giant salamander Dicamptodon spp. densities were significantly lower in buffered (0.2/m2) than unbuffered streams and secondary forests (0.3/m2). Densities in unharvested forests (0.2) were significantly lower than the average for managed forests. Nine to 12 streams in each of four management types were sampled: clearcuts (≤10 years old) with 5–23 m wide buffers or without buffers, second-growth forest (≥35 years old) and unharvested forest. Amphibians were monitored within six 2 m long plots within 45–55m sub-sections of streams in June–August 2001.
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