From Coast to Cascades – The Biodiversity of Douglas County Oregon

Retrieved from: http://www.co.douglas.or.us/countyinfo/default.htm

For this blog I’ll be exploring the “Land of Umpqua”, also known as Douglas county Oregon. This county extends from the pacific coast to the foot of the cascades. This region is rich in natural resources as well as culture and history. Roseburg, Oregon sits at the center of Douglas county, is the timber capitol of the lower 48 states of the United States. Douglas county is also home to the Umpqua National Forest which provides various recreation opportunities for residents and adventure seekers. With miles of hiking trails and over a dozen waterfalls, it offers something for everyone. Douglas county is also a hot spot for wine and beer. The climate is like that of the Tuscan region of Italy, the many acres of vineyards in the Umpqua valley is a sign of just that. And the clear water from the aquifers and snow melt provide an added crisp taste to both wine and beer alike. The county also provides habitat for threatened species such as the Northern Spotted Owl whose population has been declining within the past 20 years.

The Umpqua valley is also an important watershed for a variety of salmon species. The Umpqua River, the dominant and iconic river of Douglas County, splits into two branches; the North and South. The River eventually meets the Pacific Ocean. The Umpqua River is a well-known fly-fishing river, in some segments of the river only fly fishing is legally allowed. Other notable bodies of water within Douglas county are Diamond Lake and Galesville Reservoir.

This county holds much diversity within its boundaries. Between the Coastal weather to the Cascade mountain range, the mix of these two different land features creates multiple micro-habitats where species have adapted to these individually unique habitats. Exploring the coast to the cascades and discovering the different habitats across the landscape, finding and documenting the similarities and differences of species within Douglas County, Oregon.

My definition  and understanding of biodiversity; biodiversity is the quantity of species living within a specified or defined area. The biodiversity of an area can be impacted by multiple factors including; topography, climate, weather, soil composition, etc.