James M. Helfield

Assistant Professor
Department of Environmental Sciences
Huxley College of the Environment
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 98225-9181

Research

My research focuses on the ecology of rivers and riparian forests. I am especially interested in processes linking terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and the ways in which those processes respond to and recover from anthropogenic stress. Specific questions relate to how changes in fluvial disturbance affect the diversity and species composition of riparian plant communities, how riparian vegetation regulates the structure and dynamics of stream ecosystems, and how forest management practices affect fish habitat. A recurring theme in my work is the interconnectedness and interdependence of rivers and their surrounding watersheds, and the need for management and restoration strategies to recognize these linkages.

Recent Projects

• Ecological recovery of the Vindel and Pite Rivers, Sweden
• Interactions of salmon, bear and riparian vegetation in Alaska

Courses

• ESCI 325 Fundamentals of Ecology
• ESCI 330 Natural History of the Pacific Northwest
• ESCI 410 Forest - Fish Interactions
• ESCI 497R Ecological Restoration
• ESCI 429/529 Stream Ecology

Information for Prospective Students

Selected Publications

Helfield, J.M., S.J. Capon, C. Nilsson, R. Jansson and D. Palm. 2007. Restoration of rivers used for timber floating: effects on riparian plant diversity. Ecological Applications 17: 840-851.

Helfield, J.M. and R.J. Naiman.  2006.  Keystone interactions:  salmon and bear in riparian forests of Alaska.  Ecosystems 9: 167-180.

Nilsson, C., F. Lepori, B. Malmqvist, E. Törnlund, N. Hjerdt, J.M. Helfield, D. Palm, J. Östergren, R. Jansson, E. Brännäs, and H. Lundqvist.  2005.  Forecasting environmental responses to restoration of rivers used as log floatways:  an interdisciplinary challenge.  Ecosystems 8: 779-800.

Helfield, J. M. and R. J. Naiman. 2002. Salmon and alder as nitrogen sources to riparian forests in a boreal Alaskan watershed. Oecologia 133: 573-582.

Drake, D. C., R. J. Naiman, and J. M. Helfield. 2002. Reconstructing salmon abundance for rivers: an initial dendrochronological evaluation. Ecology 83: 2971-2977.

Naiman, R. J., R. E. Bilby, D. E. Schindler, and J. M. Helfield. 2002. Pacific salmon, nutrients, and the dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. Ecosystems 5: 399-417.

Helfield, J. M. and R. J. Naiman. 2001. Effects of salmon-derived nitrogen on riparian forest growth and implications for stream productivity. Ecology 82: 2403-2409.

Naiman, R. J., S. R. Elliott, J. M. Helfield and T. C. O’Keefe. 1999. Biophysical interactions and the structure and dynamics of riverine ecosystems: some new perspectives in stream ecology. Hydrobiologia 410: 79-86.

Elliott, S. R., T. A. Coe, J. M. Helfield and R. J. Naiman. 1998. Spatial variation in environmental characteristics of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) rivers. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 55(suppl. 1): 267-280.

Helfield, J. M. and M. L. Diamond. 1997. Use of constructed wetlands for urban stream restoration: a critical analysis. Environmental Management 21: 329-341.