Stream-breeding salamander use of headwater stream networks in managed forests of western Washington, USA

Stream-associated amphibians are sensitive bioindicators in headwater streams across the Pacific Northwest moist coniferous forests of North America. Much of this landscape is intensively managed for timber. Forest Practices (FP) rules determine harvest prescriptions on most private lands in Washington State and cover over 3.7 million hectares. Under these rules, non-fish-bearing headwater streams receive buffers on at least 50% of the stream length, including FP Sensitive Sites that receive 15 to 17-meter radius no-cut patch buffers. We evaluated how torrent (Rhyacotriton spp.) and giant (Dicamptodon spp.) salamander relative abundance is influenced by headwater stream network features that correspond to FP Sensitive Sites. In particular, we examined how salamander relative abundance in the two most common FP Sensitive Sites, tributary junctions (TJs) and perennial initiation points (PIPs), compared to densities in non-Sensitive Site stream reaches, hereafter branches. We also evaluate..., Stream reaches evaluated in this study were located in 17 amphibian-occupied non-fish-bearing stream basins in western Washington that were part of the Type N Experimental Buffer Treatment Study (McIntyre et al. 2018; see McIntyre et al. 2009 for detailed account of site selection process that screened for the following criteria). We collected salamander count data from streams that were sampled each year using a modified light-touch technique (Quinn et al. 2007; Lowe and Bolger 2002). We conducted an active search as we moved upstream, turning all moveable surface substrates ≥64 mm [2.5 inches] within the ordinary high-water mark, including in dry reaches, and within the saturated area of channel-connected seeps.  Amphibian observations were checked for errors and counted by reach type, study site and detection segement., , # Stream-breeding salamander use of headwater stream networks in managed forests of western Washington, USA

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.x3ffbg7tt](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.x3ffbg7tt)

## Description of the data and file structure

We collected salamander count data from streams that were sampled in 2006 and 2007 using a modified light-touch technique (Quinn et al. 2007; Lowe and Bolger 2002). We conducted an active search as we moved upstream, turning all moveable surface substrates ≥64 mm [2.5 inches] within the ordinary high-water mark, including in dry reaches, and within the saturated area of channel-connected seeps. Surveys were conducted during daylight hours between June and October in 2006 and 2007. Upon capture, animals were promptly identified, measured and returned to their capture location. We designated dendritic reach types by their spatial proximity to stream network nodes (i.e., TJs and PIPs), and by extension, whether they fell within circular (17-m radius) FP...