Watershed Research and Education
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Watershed 6

Area: 104 ac (42 ha)
Elevation: 6,300 to 6,585 ft (1,922 to 2,008 m)
Vegetation: Alligator Juniper
Parent Material: Basalt
Years: 1958 - 1973
Treatment: Felling overstory trees
Year Treated: 1965

Felling treatment
Felling treatment
Objective: To determine how felling trees in the pinyon-juniper overstory affects streamflow, erosion and sedimentation, vegetation, and wildlife. Prior to treatment, streamflow from WS 6 was calibrated against streamflow from the designated control WS 5.
Treatment: Trees were cut with power saws in 1965 to overcome the soil pitting problem experienced on Watershed 1. Felled trees were left in place. Shrubs were killed by hand-sprayed herbicides, and tree stumps were sprayed to control sprouting.
Response: Water yield increase resulting from this treatment was minor-10 mm (0.38 inch) or 14 % per year.

However, the average annual livestock forage yield rose 145 kg per ha (130 pounds per ac), or 45% above pretreatment levels. Young oaks and alligator junipers flourished as the effects of herbicide spraying wore off. As these plants increase in size and quantity, forage production will decline (Clary et al. 1974).
References: Clary, W.P., M.B. Baker, Jr., P.F. O'Connell, T.N. Johnsen, Jr., and R.E. Campbell. 1974. Effects of pinyon-juniper removal on natural resource products and uses in Arizona. USDA Forest Service, Research Paper RM-128.
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