Comparing erosion risks from forest operations to wildfire

Elliot, W.J.; Robichaud, P.R. 2001. Comparing Erosion Risks from Forest Operations to Wildfire. In: Peter Schiess and Finn Krogstad, editors, Proceedings of The International Mountain Logging and 11th Pacific Northwest Skyline Symposium: 2001 - A Forest Engineering Odyssey. Seattle, WA: College of Forest Resources, University of Washington and International Union of Forestry Research Organizations. 78-89. Presented at The International Mountain Logging and 11th Pacific Northwest Skyline Symposium 2001, December 10--12, 2001, Seattle, WA.

Keywords: Soil Erosion, Forest operations, Forest fires, WEPP

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Abstract: Wildfire and forest operations remove vegetation and disturb forest soils. Both of these effects can lead to an increased risk of soil erosion. Operations to reduce forest fuel loads, however, may reduce the risk of wildfire. This paper presents research and modeling results which show that under many conditions, carefully planned operations, with adequate buffers, result in lower long-term erosion rates than those experienced following wildfire, which is inevitable if fuel loads are not reduced. The effects of reducing fire-induced flood flows on forest stream systems, however, are unknown.

Moscow FSL publication no. 2001c