Mollot, L.,and R. Bilby. 2008. The Use of Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and Suitability Modeling to Identify Conifer Restoration Sites with High Biological Potential for Anadromous Fish at the Cedar River Municipal Watershed in Western Washington, U.S.A. Restoration Ecology 16: 336-347.

The presence of large wood in streams enhances habitat for many types of salmon.  In most watersheds in the Pacific Northwest, conifer inputs in streams have decreased due to land use conversions.  Consequently, planting conifers in riparian areas is a common restoration practice in the Pacific Northwest.  Conifer restoration sites should be located in areas beneficial to salmonids that can also support conifer trees for long periods of time.  Authors created a GIS model, incorporating remotely sensed data and spatial analysis tools, to identify appropriate conifer restoration sites. Site suitability was weighted according to three criteria:  stream gradient, confinement index and riparian forest composition.  Authors used high resolution data which had not previously been available and model results were accurate as confirmed by Cedar River municipal watershed employees.  The model categorized only 11% of the watershed as highly suitable under all three criteria.  Most potential  restoration sites were located in lower elevations and were characterized by low-gradient, unconfined channels and early seral forests.  This model can be used to plan restoration at large spatial scales.  Applications of the model include restoration site identification, establishment of baseline data and monitoring and evaluation. Finally authors recommend this approach for use in other watersheds and in assessing needs for other species.

Detail maps showing the riparian buffer (left) and the clipped suitability (right). Stream reaches are displayed in blue. The maps show a gray scale gradient of values for suitability levels. Darker shades indicate poor suitability and lighter shades high suitability.