This study is designed to examine the effects of prescribed fire and mechanical fuel treatments on surface erosion, stream sedimentation, channel morphology, and other water quality parameters. Intensive study sites are located in the Skookum Experimental Watersheds (Heppner Ranger District) and a more extensive array of hillslope erosion plots are located in the Red Fir Prescribed Burn Project and in the Lick Creek Demonstration Site (Pomeroy Ranger District). We are measuring hillslope erosion, surface-sediment transport, and sediment delivery to streams on control and treatment sites. At the Skookum Experimental Watersheds the prescribed burn plans are on hold, and all measured hillslope erosion data is pre-treatment. The extensive plots are located on both control and treatment sites, but do not include any pre-treatment data. Data from both the watershed-scale study and the extensive plots will be used to refine erosion and sediment delivery models used in planning and assessing management activities.
Catherine F. Clifton, Robin M. Harris, Steven M. Wondzell, Tom Fritz
Examine hillslope erosion patterns and background variability from control hillslopes, hillslopes treated with prescribed fire alone, and hillslopes treated with a combination of mechanical fuels treatment and prescribed fire.