Willow Creek, lower Russian River basin, California.
Note the lack of conifers in the riparian zone, and lack of large woody debris
and hydraulic variability in the channel. Also note the recent over-bank
deposit of fine sediment around the red alders (Alnus rubra). The watershed has
been affected by heavy grazing, timber harvest and road-building. It may make a
pretty picture, but it is not a healthy stream environment. Photo by Mitchell
Swanson. |