A STUDY OF TROUT STREAMSIDE COVER IN LOGGED-OVER AND UNDISTURBED VIRGIN SPRUCE WOODS

Abstract

In the present study of trout streams in mountainous headwater regions, the term "streamside cover" includes a wide strip of forest vegetation on both sides of the stream, rather than a narrow fringe of plants at the water''s edge. Undisturbed stream margins in virgin spruce woods are compared with those in adjacent areas recently logged over in relation to shade production, water conservation, and protection against stream-bank erosion. Heavy, indiscriminate cutting along the stream margins has removed almost all the good shade producing trees, eradicated by exposure and mechanical means the former water conserving ground vegetation, and caused serious damage to the stream itself by logging operations. As the result of this study, the prohibition of all cutting along wide strips on both sides of the trout stream is strongly recommended in order to maintain suitable environmental conditions for trout and to preserve aesthetic values of fishing areas.