The OWEB manual describes the importance of ROS zones, but does not have specific guidelines for mapping these areas in the Coast Range. To locate areas of potential ROS impact, we first located areas defined as "open" in the CLAMS95 landcover data set (these areas lack forest cover). Then, with input from the MCWC Tech Team, we defined four elevation zones,: 0-1000 ft., 1001-2000 ft., 2001-3000 ft., and > 3000 ft. We determined the proportion of "open" areas within these four elevation zones for each 6th Field Watershed. Areas at an elevation < 2000 ft. (even if they lack forest cover) are areas where ROS events are unlikely to occur. Open areas > 2001' that do not have tree cover are are more likely to have an impact from ROS events, although ROS events may occur infrequently in our area.

Please address questions or comments to:

Dr. Ralph Garono
Principal Investigator
Earth Design Consultants, Inc.
rgarono@earthdesign.com

Laura Brophy
Principal Investigator
Green Point Consulting
brophyl@peak.org | homepage