FOREST
CLEARING IN THE GRAY'S RIVER WATERSHED1905-1996
FOREST
CLEARING IN THE GRAY'S RIVER WATERSHED
1905-1996
by
A
research paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE in GEOGRAPHY Portland State University 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: THE WESTERN WASHINGTON FOREST ECOSYSTEM
1.1 Fundamentals of the Natural Forest Ecosystem - Ecological View
Succession
The Old-Growth Ecosystem
Second-Growth
Natural Disturbance1.2 Forest Growth Following Human Disturbance
The Timber Industry View of the Forest
Soil and Stream Modifications
Fragmentation
Simplification
CHAPTER 2: FOREST HISTORY OF THE GRAY'S RIVER WATERSHED
2.1 The Original Gray's River Watershed Forest
2.3 Seeking A Pattern in Forest History
Pre-European Settlement Conditions
Forestry in Gray's River: 1905
Early 20th Century Forestry 1905-1942
Post-Depression Era Forestry: 1942-1953
Export Market Opens: 1953-1964
Massive Logging Operations: 1964-1976
Fragmented Old-growth: 1976-1983
Declining Old-Growth: 1983-1990
Recent Era: 1990-1996
Summary of Forest Harvesting 1905-1996
CHAPTER 3 THE PRESENT AND FUTURE FOREST
3.1 Recommendations for the Future of the Forest
80-Year Rotation
60-Year Rotation
40-Year Rotation
Preservation3.3 Impacts of Repetitive Harvesting
Mass Wasting
Potential Erosion Resulting From Clear-cutting
Erosion Hazards From Forest Roads