Fungal distribution in the Elwha restoration ecosystem
Research Mentor(s)
McLaughlin, John
Description
Fungi play important roles in forest restoration, but factors affecting fungal species composition and distribution are unknown for restoration associated with dam removal. The need for this information is becoming acute as the number of dams approaching the end of their useful lives grows rapidly. We aim to answer what environmental factors influence fungal distribution in the Elwha restoration ecosystem, the largest dam removal in history. We sampled fungal distributions in two Elwha study areas: the largest former reservoir bed and a comparable valley upriver from both dams and reservoirs. In each study area, we conducted a stratified random sample of fungal distributions and relative conditions of vegetation and substrate. We defined strata by stage of forest development: recent sediment deposits, young forest, and mature forest. We fit fungal distribution data site factors using information theoretic methods. Our results can be applied to forecast future fungal distributions as Elwha restoration proceeds, and inform decisions about dam removal on other river basins to enhance restoration outcomes.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
15-5-2019 9:00 AM
End Date
15-5-2019 5:00 PM
Location
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Department
Environmental Science
Genre/Form
student projects, posters
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Fungi--Washington (State)--Elwha River Valley--Dispersal; Forest restoration--Washington (State)--Elwha River Valley; Dam retirement-- Environmental aspects--Washington (State)--Elwha River
Geographic Coverage
Elwha River Valley (Wash.); Elwha River (Wash.)
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Fungal distribution in the Elwha restoration ecosystem
Carver Gym (Bellingham, Wash.)
Fungi play important roles in forest restoration, but factors affecting fungal species composition and distribution are unknown for restoration associated with dam removal. The need for this information is becoming acute as the number of dams approaching the end of their useful lives grows rapidly. We aim to answer what environmental factors influence fungal distribution in the Elwha restoration ecosystem, the largest dam removal in history. We sampled fungal distributions in two Elwha study areas: the largest former reservoir bed and a comparable valley upriver from both dams and reservoirs. In each study area, we conducted a stratified random sample of fungal distributions and relative conditions of vegetation and substrate. We defined strata by stage of forest development: recent sediment deposits, young forest, and mature forest. We fit fungal distribution data site factors using information theoretic methods. Our results can be applied to forecast future fungal distributions as Elwha restoration proceeds, and inform decisions about dam removal on other river basins to enhance restoration outcomes.