The study area includes a somewhat limited area along Lusk Creek which is located in southeastern Illinois in north-central Pope County. The area extends through sections 3, 10, 27, 28, 33 and 34 of Township 11 South, Range 6 East (Fig. 1). The area features a clear rock-bottom stream with several tributaries, massive bluffs of Pennsylvanian sandstone, deep ravines, mesic woods, old fields, and pine plantations. It covers approximately 1,400 acres and is managed for the most part by the United States Forest Service.