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Effects of conifers and elk browsing on quaking aspen forests in the central Rocky Mountains, USA

Ecological Applications
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1890/03-5395

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Abstract

Elk browsing and conifer species mixing with aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) present current challenges to aspen forest management in the western United States. We evaluated the effects of conifers and elk browsing on quaking aspen stands in and near Rocky Mountain National Park using tree rings to reconstruct patterns of aspen establishment, growth, and mortality over the past 120 years. High conifer encroachment and elk browse were both associated with decreased aspen recruitment, with mean recruitment dropping over 30% from pure aspen to mixed stands and over 50% from low-browse to high-browse stands. Maximum aspen recruitment was lower in mixed stands than in pure stands with the same tree basal area. High levels of elk browsing were also associated with a 30% decrease in stand-level growth of aspen. Neither high conifer abundance nor elk browse affected the growth of individual trees or aspen mortality. Aspen establishment was negatively influenced by conifers and elk browsing; however, aspen growth and mortality appeared to be resilient to these two external influences. Overall, these results suggest that long-term preservation of aspen forests could be achieved by enhancing aspen recruitment.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Effects of conifers and elk browsing on quaking aspen forests in the central Rocky Mountains, USA
Series title Ecological Applications
DOI 10.1890/03-5395
Volume 15
Issue 4
Year Published 2005
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description 12 p.
First page 1284
Last page 1295
Country United States
State Colorado
Other Geospatial Rocky Mountain National Park
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