Animal community
The redwood forest supports an unknown, but large number of invertebrate species, and more that two hundred vertebrates. Few animal species are endemic and no known species are restricted to this site. The evidence suggests that most vertebrate species opportunistically adapted to the redwoods relatively recently, rather than having co-evolved with redwoods over a long period of geologic time (Noss and Cooperrider, 2000). The majority of this ecological site is free from both historic and recent logging activity.
A common invertebrate found on this site is the banana slug, which is a mature forest specialist. A number of other invertebrate species, including beetles, harvestman, spiders, millipedes, and freshwater mussels are also specialists throughout these sites.
This site is characterized by low reptile diversity with only northern alligator lizard, rubber boa, and California mountain king snake being found at the site. Streams, shaded seeps, and ample downed wood in various states of decay provide habitat for a variety of amphibians, including clouded salamander, California slender salamander, ensatina salamander, black salamander and tailed frog.
Although over a 100 bird species use redwood forests for breeding, feeding or nesting for at least one season, this redwood-dominated community provides a suitable habitat for only 41 species. The small groups of Sitka spruce, western hemlock and occasional grand fir increase the diversity of snags, downed logs and complex tree canopies. These structural components provide greater potential for nest sites and food resources (i.e. acorns and insects). The more common year round resident species are the Stellar’s jay, chestnut backed chickadee, brown creeper, winter wren, varied thrush, and hermit thrush. Summer breeders typically include Vaux’s swift, pacific slope flycatcher, hermit warbler, and Wilson’s warbler. Sensitive birds that nest in the site are the Marbled Murrelet and Northern spotted owl.
Watershed changes upstream resulted in the reduction of the historical runs of anadromous fish, which has subsequently decreased the diversity and abundance of predator species of mammals and birds. Such alterations in the food chain have contributed to the extirpation of the grizzly bear and the redistribution of species like the Bald Eagle, osprey, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, and marten. These species may continue to use this habitat as transitory routes while moving around surrounding habitats.
What remains of the historic mammalian carnivores are the fisher and the raccoon. Other mammals common to this vegetation community are the fog shrew, Trowbridge shrew, shrew-mole, silver-haired bat and northern flying squirrel. Sensitive mammal species include fisher, marten, and mountain beaver.
Inclusions of riparian species (e.g. salmonberry, red alder, and big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)) along streams provide essential food and cover resources to the redwood forest wildlife that depend on riparian or aquatic habitats. Linear strips or patches of trees and shrubs adjacent to these streams provide nest sites, prey, berries, and water for breeding salamanders, snakes, birds, and bats.
Streams support both anadromous and resident fish populations. Anadromous salmonids known to occur include: coastal cutthroat trout, fall chinook salmon, chum salmon, and coho salmon, which uses lower gradient streams with medium gravels and a moderate pool to riffle ratio as spawning sites. Steelhead salmon is also common. It spawns in upper headwater reaches that may not be accessible to other anadromous salmonids.
Other fish species include river lamprey, pacific lamprey, threespine stickleback, and Klamath smallscale sucker. Tidewater gobies and longfin smelt are likely present in the estuaries, but they are a brackish or saltwater species and so are not expected to occur in freshwater streams on this site.
Hydrological functions
These soils have a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet. They are very deep, poorly drained to well-drained and have a moderately fine texture. These soils have a moderate rate of water transmission.
Flooding or ponding is rare.
Hydrologic Groups
Bigtree--B
Mystery--B
Arlynda--B/D
Refer to the Soil Survey Manuscript for further information.
Recreational uses
Recreational use and development for campgrounds and trails may be limited by ponding and in very rare occasions, flooding.
Wood products
Redwood is a highly valued lumber because of its resistance to decay. Uses of redwood include house siding, paneling, trim and cabinetry, decks, hot tubs, fences, garden structures and retaining walls. Other uses include fascia, molding and industrial storage and processing tanks.
Sitka spruce is used in saw timber, wood pulp and plywood. It has a high weight to strength ratio, and is valued for use as masts for sail boats, oars, boats and racing sculls. It is also valued for use in making guitars and for piano sounding boards.
Other products
Salmonberry provides important food and cover for a variety of animals. Both deer and elk graze the leaves and twigs. Numerous bird and animal species consume the berries of the plant.
