Biodiversity
There are few large snags on the property. Particularly valuable are large oak and Douglas-fir snags, which add vertical structure, support woodpeckers, and provide den and nest sites. Existing snags should be protected from harvest. Living snags and snag recruits should be marked for protection during cutting.
Coarse woody debris (CWD) levels, as measured by the cruise, are low. Average per acre weight is only three tons, compared to frequently seen levels of between 7 and 15 tons on similar forest sites. Most woody debris is six inches or less in diameter. Few large down logs are present, suggesting that this most important component is almost absent in the forest. These levels can be augmented by restricting salvage of dead, dying or cull trees.
The main riparian resource is found on the south side of the forest (Type 3), where the upper draws funnel moisture into a forest pond. Below this pond there is a seasonal flow into a series of ponds. The watershed area of Type 3 is managed as a reserve, and the ponds and drainage are worthy of protection. There are no other significant riparian features in the woodland.
Steep slopes in the upper forest have a high soil erosion hazard, and should receive special consideration. Some skid trails exceed 40% slope, and should be decommissioned where other access trails can be laid out. Because logging has been done in the dry season and with care, there is little evidence of erosion or mass soil movement.
For further information on other features contributing to biodiversity, see the Property Findings section below.