The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
H.J. Andrews
General Description
H. J. Andrews Biosphere
Reserve and Experimental Forest is located in the western Cascade Range (Oregon)
in the drainage basin of Lookout Creek, a tributary of the Blue River and the
McKenzie River.
Forests in this region are among the tallest and most productive in the world.
Lower elevation forests are dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii),
western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), and western redcedar (Thuja plicata). As
elevation increases, Douglas-fir and western red cedar decline in importance and
western hemlock is gradually replaced by Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis).
Non-forest habitats include wet and dry meadows, rock cliffs, and talus slopes.
H. J.Andrews Forest supports a rich biological diversity for a north temperate
ecosystem including many plant and animal species associated with old-growth
forests of the Pacific Northwest (e.g. northern spotted owl, Strix occidentalis).
The biosphere reserve is dedicated to both research and education, receiving a
number of scientists and visitors each year. The research programmes have been
diverse throughout the history of the H. J. Andrews Forest. Emphasis was given
to applied research in silviculture, wildlife, landscape ecology under the
Long-term Ecological Research (LTER) programme in the 1980’s. Today, the central
research question is of high scientific, social and economic interest: How do
land use, natural disturbances, and climate change affect three key ecosystem
properties (carbon dynamics, biodiversity, and hydrology)?
Last updated: 06/27/2005
