The Applegate Valley; with its hot and dry
climate, historically had a frequent, low intensity fire regime. Decades
of fire suppression and timber harvest have left unnaturally high amounts
of fuels in the forests. As a response to the current condition, there
has been increased forest management to reduce these fuels loads. Fuels
reduction treatments include thinning out smaller trees and brush, and
controlled burning within these overcrowded forests. In order to reduce
risks of wildfire in the Applegate Valley, the Medford BLM has been implementing
such fuels treatments.
However, riparian habitats have been left
untreated because of the biological diversity of plants and animals
that are unique to these areas. Research that examines the effect of
fuels reduction in riparian areas on stream hydrology or the plants
and animals that reside in these riparian and aquatic ecosystems is
limited. We know that fire has historically been an important part of
western riparian ecosystems.
In order to provide the best available information
to local land managers KBO is embarking on a new study collaborating
with existing and new partners. The Joint Fire Sciences Program has
funded a study in which we are working with the Medford District BLM,
Southern Oregon University, and USGS. Over the next three years, we
will study the birds of these riparian areas before and after fuels
treatments. Birds will provide an indication of the health of the riparian
ecosystem. In addition, we will assess whether there is an immediate
impact of prescribed burns on reproductive success of select species.
The other components of this study include how hydrology, macroinvertebrates,
herpetofauna, and plant communities are affected by riparian fuels treatments.
Through this collaborative effort we will be able to provide a picture
of ecosystem changes that will guide future land management decisions.
