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rearing salmonids would likewise be reduced over a similar time. 

 Recovery of LWD to the original pre-logging level from the 

 regeneration of second-growth trees next to the stream would take 

 about 250 years. Stream productivity would also be reduced 

 during the period of regeneration and canopy closure. It is our 

 opinion that, as a consequence, habitat and salmonid abundance 

 would be significantly and irreparably damaged over this period 

 of logging and recovery. 



The riparian sources of LWD on tributary streams (streams used by 

 only resident fish or those important for water quality) upstream 

 of anadromous streams must also be protected because these 

 streams contribute LWD and influence water quality in important 

 downstream habitats. Buffer zones on these streams maintain the 

 integrity of side slopes, streambanks, and stream channels and 

 thus reduce the threat of landslides and debris torrents which 

 can cause excessive downstream sedimentation. In essence, old 

 growth riparian vegetation controls and maintains the natural 

 integrity of a stream's characteristics critical to salmonid 

 production. 



Research has shown that clearcutting to the streambank without 

 retaining an adequate zone of riparian vegetation adversely 

 affects fish habitat, which in turn affects fish production on 

 both a short- and long-term basis. Short-term (1-20 years) 

 degradation of riparian habitat can result from increased 

 sedimentation, altered temperature and streamflow regimes, and 



