Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
methodology focused on gathering information regarding stand structure, function,
composition, and disturbance agents. The forest survey was designed to generate
stand condition information in a format compatible with (and easily transferable to)
the USFS vegetation database. The forest condition working group conducted quality
control together, randomly selecting sites for remeasurement. This contributed to
broader understanding of, and confidence in, the forest stand data.
The range survey was more complicated. It was designed to sample grassland sites
using both modern and historic range protocols and generate a reference point to cor-
relate past trend data with a new baseline and future trend monitoring. The range sur-
vey also tested the diagnostic capabilities of high-resolution satellite imagery. As the
range assessment involved surveys on private grassland, hosting most of the headwa-
ters of this watershed, innovative new agreements were developed between Oregon
State University's Extension Office and private landowners that secured the confiden-
tiality of individual property information while allowing for public use of the larger
range condition assessments. The rangeland vegetation subcommittee initiated in-
ventories in the summer of 2002 to create a baseline inventory of important biological
components, including plant species, plant associations, terrain, and soil types. Plant
community vegetation was sampled on grass and forest steppe rangeland within and
adjoining the Upper Joseph Creek watershed. Additional collaborators included the
Nez Perce tribe, Oregon State University Extension Service, and private landowners.
Local range scientists representing the International Center for the Advancement of
Pastoral Systems were contracted to conduct the fieldwork and preliminary analysis. A
vegetation map defining watershed vegetation by plant communities and seral stage
accompanied by descriptive and quantitative information was developed from this
information.
The road and recreation subcommittee updated existing road records to represent
the current road system on public lands and the county road system on private lands.
Additional collaborators included the Nez Perce tribe, Wallowa Valley Trail Riders
Association, Grande Ronde Model Watershed, and Oregon State Off-Highway Vehi-
cle Advisors. Each road segment was subject to interdisciplinary analysis on its costs
(ecological and maintenance), benefits (commercial and recreational use), and man-
agement needs—including regular management and response to wildfire. Group site
visits were used to reach agreement on those segments where the cost/benefit ratio
was neutral. If fully implemented, the group recommendations would reduce the
road network well below the road density thresholds in the WWNF Forest Plan.
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The riparian subcommittee compiled existing information and completed addi-
tional riparian condition surveys with assistance from the Grande Ronde Model Wa-
tershed, the USFS, Wallowa Resources, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife,
and the Nez Perce tribe. This information covered all publicly managed and some
privately owned stream reaches. Landowner permission was secured for access to col-
lect information on private stream reaches. This work summarized and prioritized
fish passage and sediment transport issues and contributed to forest and range man-
agement project identification and design.
Cultural resource issues were addressed through subcontract with a retired
USFS archaeologist, and by outreach from Wallowa County to the Nez Perce tribe's
