Young Brunette Girl Reveals On The Rocky Beach With Remains Of A Dead Tree

The persistence of coarse woody debris can shelter organisms during a large disturbance to the ecosystem such as wildfire or logging.
Fallen debris and trees in streams provide shelter for fish and mammals by modifying the flow of water and sediment through the channel. This stream debris may be referred to as large woody debris.
• Soil
Coarse woody debris, particularly on slopes, stabilizes soils by slowing downslope movement of organic matter and mineral soil. Leaves and other debris collect behind CWD, allowing for decomposition to occur. Infiltration of precipitation is improved as well. During dry weather, CWD slows evaporation of soil moisture and provides damp microhabitats for moisture-sensitive organisms.