Multiscale processes drive formation of logjam habitats and use by juvenile Chinook salmon across a boreal stream network in Alaska
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Abstract
Boreal forest streams are characterized by large volumes of instream wood, yet the relationship between logjams and Pacific salmon productivity remains underqualified. We located logjams (n = 427) within the distribution of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Chena River, Alaska (Yukon River tributary) and measured dimensions, classified formative process, and snorkel-sampled a subset (n = 189) of logjams to detect and count juvenile salmon relative to multiscale variables and a dam. Logjam size increased downstream, whereas logjam density and large wood recruits declined (upstream = 6 logjams/km, 33 recruits/km; downstream = 0.3 logjams/km, 6 recruits/km), particularly below a dam that reduced downstream wood transport and log-trapping locations (i.e., bars). Juvenile salmon occupied 68% of logjams; mid-network logjams had the highest densities (mean = 0.85 fish/m2). We modeled juvenile salmon counts with logjam-, stream reach-, and neighborhood-scale (> 1 km) predictors. Covariates that best predicted juvenile salmon densities included bankfull flow and stream power at reach scales in addition to growth potential, spawning habitat quality, and logjam area within 1 km of the focal logjam at neighborhood-scales. Multiscale perspectives that link landscape characteristics, wood dynamics, and instream modifications with juvenile salmon production will be important to facilitate conservation and management of boreal streams.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Multiscale processes drive formation of logjam habitats and use by juvenile Chinook salmon across a boreal stream network in Alaska |
| Series title | River Research and Applications |
| DOI | 10.1002/rra.4387 |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication Date | October 10, 2024 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Seattle |
| Description | 16 p. |
| First page | 593 |
| Last page | 608 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | Chena River watershed study area |