This map represents two fundamental aspects of biodiversity: Vegetation cover and
associated wildlife species. Each polygon symbolizes the predicted distribution of a
wildlife species. The vegetation cover map was derived from Landsat image interpretation.
These vegetation cover types were then clustered into wildlife habitats based on
habitation of similar groups of species. This is part of the gap analysis program, which
helps wildlife managers use wildlife communities to improve vegetation for there
conservation of biodiversity. Listed below are the wildlife habitats for Lane County. For
more detailed definitions of habitats and types of species found there, check the Atlas of
Oregon Wildlife, et.al., Csuti, Blair. 1997.
AGRICULTURAL- This cover type includes all lands under cultivation, pasture, row crops,
dry land, and irrigated wheat fields, alfalfa, and orchards. A variety of native wildlife
species make use of these lands, especially where there are small remnants of trees left.
ALPINE- This area is made up of dwarf shrubs, grasses, and forbs, including alpine fell
fields and other rocky areas. Idaho fescue, an important grass in these communities, and
big mountain sage are also frequent.
COASTAL DUNES- These are open sand dunes with areas stabilized by native and introduced
grasses and shrubs. This habitat also includes scattered islands of pine forests, shrubs,
and beachgrass.
EARLY SHRUB TREE- This habitat type includes successional stages of forest following
clear-cutting or fires. A variety of shrub species are found here, and stumps and downed
logs are abundant.
LAVA FIELD- This cover type is unvegatated or it has sparse grass and shrub vegetation
in pockets of soil accumulation.
MARSH- This habitat contains some open water that is surrounded by growths of hardstem,
bulrush, cattail, and burreed. Also present is Willamette Valley tufted hairgrass and
prairie and reed canarygrass. These wetlands are located around reservoirs and farm ponds.
They are important habitats for migratory and breeding water fowl and a variety of other
aquatic species.
MIXED CONIFER- DECIDUOUS- This habitat consists mostly of second-growth forests that
are dominated by young Douglas-fir and western hemlock. Also, various deciduous hardwood
species, such as bigleaf maple and red alder, help to form a mosaic.
MONTANE- LODGEPOLE PINE- This habitat consists of a number of mid- to high- elevation
closed canopy forests. The tree species that are usually found are lodgepole pine,
Englemann spruce, true fir, Douglas fir, western larch, and white bark pine.
MOUNTAIN HEMLOCK- These forests and woodlands occur in mid- to high- elevations.
Mountain hemlock is the characteristic tree, but the stands are often mixed with true fir,
Douglas fir, western white pine, subalpine fir, and lodgepole pine.
OPEN WATER- This refers to large bodies of standing water (lakes, reservoirs)and
permanent rivers and streams. Many aquatic species are restricted to open water habitats.
PONDEROSA PINE- The ponderosa pine habitat consists of arid woodlands and dry forests
of ponderosa pine, often mixed with other trees including Douglas fir, lodgepole pine, and
Oregon white oak. There is also a Savannah-like structure to the woodland, with an
understory of Idaho fescue or bluebunch wheatgrass.
RIPRARIAN- This complex habitat type can be found in the valleys of western Oregon. The
streams are bordered with Oregon Ash and black cottonwood, with a matrix of agricultural
and pasture lands. This also includes the forests and woodlands of Oregon white oak and
Douglas fir.
URBAN INDUSTRIAL- This cover type includes all that are dominated by urban or
industrial development.
