Changes to headwater stream morphology, habitats and riparian vegetation recorded 15 years after pre-Forest Practices Code forest clearfelling in upland granite terrain, Tasmania, Australia

Impacts of pre-Forest Practices Code clearfell logging and forest regeneration methods on granitic headwater streams are still apparent after 15 years. Observed differences in stream morphology and habitats were significantly correlated with the rating of the harvesting disturbance. We ascribe the differences to direct and indirect effects of harvesting, and deduce that these catchments are still adjusting to that disturbance. Current Code prescriptions will limit impacts of current harvesting in similar terrain, though indirect effects of current harvesting methods on headwater stream character may still be significant.