e heavy loggingequipment, which causes soil compacting. As the machinery moves through areasbeing logged, the soil becomes compacted causing plant and tree re-growth verydifficult. Another negative aspect is the practice of clear-cut logging near streams. “Infact, timber harvest on public and private land in the Grande Ronde river sub basinhas reduced overall stream shade from a potential eighty percent to a total oftwenty-eight percent” (Noll ). This allows the sun to penetrate the water, thusraising water temperatures. “Removal of riparian vegetation by road construction andlogging is known to greatly increase water temperatures, decrease bank stability, andincrease sediment delivery” (Beschta ). Changing the natural environment can harmthe local wildlife in the area. “Increased water temperatures can cause the death ofadult salmon and trout before they spawn if waters reaches sixty degrees Fahrenheit,salmonid eggs in the gravel will also die” (Brett ). Clear-cut logging also causesthe destruction of fish and wildlife habitat. “Increased levels of logging increase thelikelihood of habitat degradation and resultant reduction in salmonid species”(NMFS,USFS ). Studies also have shown that maintaining dead and dyingfire-affected trees, can serve to protect many important resource values. “Dead,standing, and downed trees are sources of shade, refuge, and food for fish and otherwildlife, both in riparian and upland areas” (Espinosa ). For example, in the forestthere is a variety of wildlife, from elk and deer to the endangered species of SpottedOwls. In large clear-cuts, these animals are left without any cover for protection orthe comfort of living. Clear-cut logging near streams decreases large organic debris,such as root wads or fallen trees, which has the potential to fall into the stream orriver, and be used as habitat for fish and other aqua...
