This week at Starker Forests was filled with stream surveys.
The refreshing rain on Monday provided a welcome relief from the heat we’ve been experiencing lately. Caroline and I devoted the entire day to conducting surveys of streams in the Eddyville and Burnt Woods area. As we worked in one of the units, logging activities were taking place just across from us.
The whistles of the yarder and the hum of the machines created a soothing backdrop as we walked, making our time in the field even more enjoyable.
Jamie Gassner
On Tuesday, we ventured to Pioneer Mountain and worked in a challenging unit with steep terrain, numerous streams, blowdown, and thick blackberry bushes.
This unit was situated off an SSBT (salmon, steelhead, bull trout) stream, requiring us to ascend 1,150 feet along all the streams and tributaries, assuming they maintained a continuous flow throughout.
Caroline has no fear of heights.
The rugged topography and dense vegetation in the area meant that it took us until the end of the day on Wednesday to complete our survey.
We found the end of the stream.
A highlight of our Wednesday excursion was the thrilling discovery of a Pacific Giant Salamander during our hike through the unit. It marked the first time that both Caroline and I had encountered one of these fascinating creatures up close, making it a truly memorable experience.
On Thursday, Jace and I returned to Pioneer Mountain to complete work on an adjacent stand that had a gentler incline compared to the challenging terrain in the previous unit. Interestingly, these stands were not initially scheduled for harvesting. However, extensive ice damage caused by February’s ice storm has necessitated salvaging operations in these areas.
Friday, Jace, Anthony and I joined forces to conduct stream surveys in various stands located in the Nashville area. With three team members, we efficiently worked through these streams. It was an enjoyable day, as it marked my first time partnering with Anthony this summer.
During our journey back to the office, we had a delightful encounter with a group of ducks that were leisurely hanging out on the road.
All of this led to another fulfilling week at Starker Forests!
— Jamie Gassner