This study was designed to provide a physical and ecological analysis of paired
watersheds in the semi-arid western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) woodlands of
Central Oregon. Instrumentation and monitoring was accomplished in Jensen and Mays
watersheds as the preliminary portion of a longer term project. Instrumentation was
designed to address changes...
Current research indicates that the expansion of
western juniper can inhibit soil water retention, storage
and prolonged releases from watersheds. This phenomenon
is of great importance in eastern Oregon, as western
juniper is encroaching into sagebrush/grass communities
with a correlated reduction in herbaceous ground cover,
resulting in reduced infiltration rates...