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"Forest
lands make up approximately three-quarters of the land base in the
McKenzie watershed (Gregory et al., 1992). Vegetation in these areas
include Douglas fir, true firs, western and mountain hemlock, western red
cedar, incense cedar and Port Orford Cedar, big leaf and vine maples,
salmonberry, and salal. Typically, Douglas fir, western
hemlock, and western red cedar are found at lower elevations and are the
primary tree species up to about 3,500 feet. Above this elevation,
Pacific silver fir and noble fir are the transition tree species with
subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, and mountain hemlock becoming the dominant
timber types above 4,500 feet. In cold air drainage pockets
associated with the gentle topography of the High Cascades, small stands
of Engelmann spruce are found, usually at elevations above 3,000
feet.
Big game
species associated with forest habitat include black-tailed deer,
Roosevelt elk,  black bear, and mountain lion. Upland game species
include the blue and ruffed grouse, mountain quail, and bandtailed
pigeon.
Grasslands are primarily located within forest zones and generally occur as
natural openings, such as meadows. These areas are important for elk,
deer, grouse, turkey, mountain quail, gophers, ground squirrels, hawks, owls,
and many smaller forms of wildlife.
Agricultural
lands in the watershed provide important upland game and waterfowl
habitat. Many species of song birds, small and large mammals, hawks,
and owls are dependent upon this habitat type. Black-tailed deer may
also be found using these areas as long as adjacent land types are
available for cover.
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Alterations of
floodplains and riverine forests have been most pronounced in the lower river
where private land owners control the majority of the riparian lands (Gregory
et. al, 1992). These riparian areas are considered very important for
wildlife habitat and are considered a concentration point for a variety of
species, affording them food and protection. Beaver, muskrat, otter, mink,
raccoon, and pine marten, which inhabit riparian areas, are the principal
furbearers in the watershed."
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