143 



Oregon were estimated for this study and were found to be about 5,000 to 1. In Washington the 

 ratio was about 2000 to 1 , in favor of forestry. 



Forestry is the most studied land use in terms of impacts on anadromous salmonids, and impacts 

 have occurred. Early logging and lumber production were associated with waterways because 

 of transportation constraints. Streams of increasingly smaller size were used to transport logs 

 and lumber. Streams were cleared of obstructions and side channels and wetlands were blocked 

 off to consolidate flow. Productive off-channel salmonid habitat was significantly reduced. 

 Splash dams were common in western Oregon and Washington and oi>erated into the 1950s on 

 some streams. 



Stream cleanup of log jams and debris has occurred for over 100 years in the Pacific Northwest. 

 Fishery agencies encouraged and conducted debris cleanup from the 1940s into the 1970s. 

 Apparently the destructiveness of the 1964-1965 floods caused the land management agencies 

 to formally join forces with the fish agencies to vigorously remove woody debris from streams. 

 The result was the well-intentioned removal of large debris from many miles of streams, and the 

 subsequent loss of stream habitat complexity and productivity. 



Riparian areas along streams were harvested first because of ease of access, good timer stands, 

 and the historic use of streams to transport log. Skid trails, roads, and railroads were constructed 

 in the riparian zone. Riparian and stream damage did occur in the pwst. Logging roads and 

 associated landslides were a major source of stream sediment, especially older roads. 

 Unregulated timber harvest in the riparian zone continued up to 1972, when the 1971 Oregon 

 Forest Practices Act, sponsored by die timber industry, came into effect. Forest practice rules 

 began to protect streams and the riparian zone along streams. Practices for protection evolved 

 periodically, in 1974, 1978, 1983, and 1986. Similar regulations evolved in Washington during 

 the 1970s and 1980s. 



In 1987, Oregon state statutes were significantly revised. A formal riparian management area 

 (RMA) was administratively created for state Class I streams (having anadromous salmonid or 

 other significant game fish). A 50 percent stream canopy rule was added to a 75 percent shade 

 rule previously in effect. Trees could be cut in the RMA, but not in the actual riparian zone. For 

 state Class II streams (all other than Class I), protection measures included a vegetation buffer 

 zone for water quality protection, stream crossing and protection rules, and directional falling 

 and yarding restrictions. In 1991, additional industry sponsored forest practices legislation was 

 passed. Its intent was the further protection of streams and other natural resources. Nothing was 

 deleted from the 1987 rules. Some Class 11 streams received additional interim protection and 

 clearcuts were limited to 120 acres with restrictions to adjacent clearcuts. Reforestation 

 requirements were strengthened. A review and improvement of stream protection measures and 

 stream classification by the Board of Forestry is underway juid will be completed by the end of 

 1992. Again, similar regulations occurred in Washington and the most recent rules were enacted 

 in June of 1992. 



Evolution of stream and riparian area protection in forestry continues both in Oregon and 



