activities have been documented in New Brunswick (Welch et al. 1977). Areas 

 that have been clearcut may be distant from a seed source needed for 

 regeneration (which is usually the case in Maine's spruce-fir stands; Frank 

 and Safford 1974). Cutting on steep slopes with shallow soils may lead to 

 erosion and delayed regeneration. The watershed approach to cutting patterns, 

 which allows only a certain portion of a watershed to be harvested at any one 

 time, is a wise method of management that can prevent serious downstream 

 impacts . 



Negative effects of clearcutting practices on the lacustrine, palustrine, and 

 riverine systems include siltation, excessive nutrient enrichment, and changes 

 in water levels and/or water flow. The impacts of soil erosion, siltation, 

 and nutrient enrichment on coastal flora and fauna are discussed further below 

 under "Agriculture," "Water Pollution," and "Dredging." 



Palustrine wetlands and small streams may be affected by the construction of 

 hauling roads and skid trails, which may alter surface runoff patterns. 

 During winter, skid trails of small logging operations often pass over open 

 and frozen bogs and emergent wetlands. 



Skidding logs across streambeds , sphagnum bogs, and other wetlands disturbs 

 bottom sediments, which may result in downstream siltation. Cutting 

 vegetation immediately adjacent to streams has a similar effect. Skid trails 

 also disturb natural drainage patterns, altering stream flow and silt load. 

 Abandoned skid trails may continue to alter stream flows indefinitely if they 

 are not properly modified (e.g., cross-ditched) after active logging ceases. 

 Haul roads used to move wood to mills pose problems of drainage disturbance 

 and siltation similar to those caused by skid trails. 



Maine rivers are affected adversely by bark and woody debris (from rafted logs 

 during historical log drives) that often cover the bottom and reduce 

 populations of invertebrates (important fish food) at least temporarily (Smith 

 1978; and Bond and DeRoche 1950). Decomposition of this material reduces 

 dissolved oxygen levels in bottom waters. Log debris also may block spawning 

 sites, interfering with trout and salmon reproduction. Under certain 

 conditions, log substrates provide fish cover and additional attachment sites 

 for invertebrates. This litter persists in streams where colder temperatures 

 (and faster moving water) slow decomposition. For example, the river bottom 

 and adjacent palustrine emergent wetlands along the East Machias River (region 

 6) are covered with undecayed logs, sawdust, and wood debris from saw mills 

 that were last active during the 1940s. 



The removal of forests from coastal islands may affect eagles, ospreys, and 

 waterbirds that nest in trees (e.g., herons) or under trees (e.g., Leach's 

 storm petrels). Waterbirds nesting in open areas of forested islands may be 

 affected by the presence of wood cutters, tree-removal activities, and noise 

 during the breeding season. The effects of tree removal on eagles are 

 discussed further in chapter 14, "Terrestrial Birds," and its effects on 

 waterbirds are discussed in chapter 16, "Waterbirds." Culling of dead and 

 diseased trees may affect cavity-nesting species of waterfowl, terrestrial 

 birds, and mammals (see chapters 15, 16, and 17, "Waterfowl," "Terrestrial 

 Birds," and "Terrestrial Mammals," respectively). 



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