The Klamath-Siskiyou Region is a globally significant center of biodiversity in southwestern Oregon and northwestern California that is in danger of further habitat loss and fragmentation from human activities. The first task of our research is to identify a network of sites representing the full diversity of physical environments within the Klamath Mountains Province, using GIS. Next, important habitats defined by rare species and plant community occurrences, roadless areas, critical watersheds for anadromous salmonids and aquatic biodiversity, and other indicators will be layered onto a minimal reserve network defined by physical criteria. The results will be used to design a reserve network, develop a biosphere reserve proposal, and recommend a region-wide management strategy. Four specific objectives of the first phase of the research are:
(1) develop a method of classifying physical environments based on terrain, climate, and soils;
(2) map the abiotic habitats of the region, as so defined;
(3) select a network of sites that fully represent the regional abiotic diversity;
(4) compare the network(s) identified in this project with the existing reserve system and alternative reserve systems proposed by conservationists and others.
Ken Vance-Borland
Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331
Telephone: 503-753-4719
Reed F. Noss
The Wildlands Project
117 E. 5th St.,
Ste. F
McMinnville, OR 97128
James Strittholt
The Wildlands Project
117 E. 5th St.,
Ste. F
McMinnville, OR 97128