The study conducted by forestry researchers supports a “trophic cascade” theory of ecological interdependence — extending to plants, animals, food chains and ecological zones.
Rocky Mountain Ecology
Birds found to help Colorado ponderosa pine trees grow, maintain health
Foraging birds such as the mountain chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, pygmy nuthatch and yellow-rumped warbler can help spur the growth of ponderosa pine trees in the West, according to researchers.
Death Valley off-road suit dismissed; Surprise Canyon streambed protected from off-road vehicles
Extreme off-road vehicle use, CBD argued, would have damaged the canyon’s waterfalls, trees that provide habitat for desert bighorn sheep, endangered birds and rare species.
Rancho Calera acquisition adds to Los Padres National Forest land along California’s Big Sur coast
The purchase creates a 10-mile open space corridor from the crest of the Santa Lucia Mountains to the ocean 15 miles south of Carmel.
Scientists: Salvage logging following a forest fire hinders recovery, restoration
Scientists expressed concerns about salvage logging following fires, which may slow the natural recovery of forests, streams and wildlife.
Washington state’s Puget Sound shoreline targeted for restoration, protection
Washington state’s Puget Sound is the focus of a large-scale estuarine restoration project, spearheaded by conversation organizations hoping to amass a multi-billion dollar warchest.
UW biologist: Spawning salmon behavior triggers stream ecosystem changes
The “rototilling” effect most happens wherever salmon are found in high densities, such as British Columbia, Alaska and some individual streams in the Pacific Northwest.