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, the Lick Creek Demonstration Site (both on Pomeroy Ranger District) and in the Lane Creek Prescribed Burn Project (North Fork John Day Ranger District). The Skookum Experimental Watersheds were set up in 1992 on the headwaters of Skookum Creek. The original objective was to address streamflow and sediment responses to timber harvest. The focus shifted to responses to prescribed fire in the mid 1990’s. The Skookum Experimental Watersheds consist of two paired watersheds, a control watershed (300 hectares) and a proposed treatment watershed (500 hectares). Prescribed burning has not taken place in the proposed treatment watershed, and data records represent background conditions.
Catherine F. Clifton, Robin M. Harris, Steven M. Wondzell, Tom Fritz
Examine the water temperature patterns and background variability from the control and proposed treatment watersheds of Skookum Creek. Record annual precipitation and air temperature for the headwaters of Skookum Creek. Record spring, summer, and fall precipitation at the hillslope scale in the erosion plot-prescribed fire study areas.