Research has shown that many forestry practices negatively impact salmon. Construction of roadways into steep forest areas are attributed to erosion, mass wasting, compaction of riparian soils, runoff, landslides, and impeding anadromous fish access to spawning habitat. I will examine the negative effects of roadways on the landscape and the impact on salmon. The effects of forestry directly impacts the landscape within a watershed. While the immediate effect of clear-cutting is apparent to the eye, disturbance to the forest landscape and riparian soils is less dramatic.
Riparian areas are unique due to the water and soil conditions.
This composite originates from periodic sediment deposition to the riparian areas by flooding. Additionally, organic litter from riparian areas is accompanied by the flushing of water. Therefore, this soil is highly complex with organic matter and minerals. This dynamic system contributes to the highly variable nature of riparian soils. The water along the riparian corridor influences the soil composition and the amount of organic matter.