Sediment and runoff collected from skidder biomass reduction plots, Deception Creek Experimental Forest, Idaho

This investigation looked at the Sands Creek timber sale within the northern Idaho Deception Creek Experimental Forest (DCEF). The Sands Creek timber sale is approximately 46 hectares (113 acres), and is located roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) east/northeast of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Seven hillslope tipping bucket runoff plots were installed in Unit 1 of DCEF, near the southwestern corner of the timber sale. Four disturbed plots were installed on Unit 1’s main skidder trail and the other three on a nearby undisturbed area (control plots). Hillslope runoff data were collected from 2003-2007. Cover data were collected on the disturbed site yearly; and on the control site, cover data were collected throughout the project except for 2004. Soil samples were gathered at each plot to discern soil texture (particle size analysis) and bulk density. Soil loss samples were collected 2004-2008 from 1) the suspended water in the sediment trap, 2) the soil collected in the sediment trap and 3) the gutter. Because the soil loss samples were collected after the events of equipment installation (2003), dates for this file are off by one year. The soil loss samples are designated as: 2004-2008 as they were collected during these years for soil loss that occurred during 2003-2007. Daily weather data from 2003-2007 collected from a weather station near the disturbed plots are also provided. Additionally, included for download is a map package of the area (available for viewing in ArcGIS program) or the standalone files associated with the map (for use in ArcGIS or other GIS programs). The following data are included: Digital Elevation Model mosaic, topographic rasters, and several shapefiles outlining the locations of unit boundaries, control and treated plots, trails, waterbars, harvesting landing and weather station.
Fuel reduction is a forest management tool that has been in practice for the last couple of decades, in particularly since the development of the Wildfires and Healthy Forest Initiative Act (2003, White House). The goal behind reduction of forest/rangeland fuels is to limit and/or prohibit catastrophic wildfires, pest infestation and to help promote healthy forests and wildlife habitat. Fuel reduction management plays an important role for forest managers when trying to minimize impact of wildland fire on the wildland urban interface (WUI). One of the concerns with fuel reduction practices is mineral soil exposure in a steep, mountainous environment. Exposing soil may contribute to conditions which are suitable for promoting erosion. This study investigates and measures sediment yield and runoff from small hillslope plots on a main skidder trail to the sediment yield and runoff from small hillslope plots on an undisturbed (control) site. The silvicultural plan for this DCEF watershed is to encourage a more blister rust resistant western white pine within a minimum 200 year time frame. A 50 year old white pine stand presently occupies the 4 hectares (≈10 ac) on Unit 1. This unit will be treated using irregular shelterwood techniques and allow approximately 75 to 150 of white pine and mixed trees to subsist per acre. The silviculturists will accomplish the objectives by randomly selecting tress which may or may not be rust resistant.