Changes in water quality and climate after forest harvest in central Washington State.

Conclusions:Chemical concentrations, turbidity, changes in microclimate, and sediment production were affected to varying degrees by forest harvesting. No significant differences were found between pre-harvest and post-harvest concentrations except for calcium which was 5 times higher and sodium which was 20 times higher in the harvested watersheds. Concentrations declined over the 3 year post-harvest span.Turbidity and suspended sediment increased with road construction but declined rapidly to nearly background levels after 2 years. Air temperature increased after harvesting in all of the smaller watersheds but stream temperature was not affected.Thresholds/Learnings: