Vegetation Data - The vegetation data set describes post thinning stand conditions of western Oregon Douglas-fir/western hemlock forests ranging in age from 40-70 years old at the time of thinning. Data are collected from permanent vegetation plots installed in the treated stands. Stand characteristics monitored included overstory stand structure and species composition, natural conifer and hardwood tree regeneration and development, species composition and percent cover of understory vascular plants, and the status and recruitment of large and small logs (woody debris) and snags.

Microclimate and microhabitat gradients due to density management practices and alternative riparian buffer widths are being monitored at seven DMS sites along transects oriented perpendicular to streams extending from stream center to approximately 240 ft past the end of the riparian buffer. Available light, air and soil temperature, streambed temperature, relative humidity, vegetation, and overstory trees are measured at points distributed along these transects.

DMS sites are being used to assess potentially unique aquatic resources in managed headwaters and evaluate the effects of thinning in riparian reserves. Pre- and post-treatment surveys along streams with alternative riparian buffer widths and moderate retention thinning measure fish and amphibian abundances and their habitats. Terrestrial salamanders and mollusks are being monitored on two sites.