Aspen on the Uncompahgre Plateau
Colorado State University, US Forest Service and the UP have initiated a study, ‘Characterizing browsing and aspen regeneration on the Uncompahgre Plateau’, that will begin on the plateau in spring 2010. The study will focus on aspen regeneration (the successful re-growth of aspen trees from seeds and/or roots) on the plateau. Aspen occurs across much of the plateau in pure stands as well as mixed in with conifers. In the past few years, successful regeneration of aspen appears to be limited in many areas as a result of several potential factors including low fire frequency, Sudden Aspen Decline (SAD) and browsing on aspen saplings by big game and/or livestock. By gaining a better understanding of aspen regeneration, forest managers hope to foster more healthy aspen stands.
Specifically, the study will look to answer the following questions:
- How does browsing effect aspen regeneration?
- To what extent is browsing impact caused by cattle or by deer and elk?
- What is the pattern of browsing impact across the plateau, and are there any apparent explanations for the pattern (elk populations within local areas; season of use by elk or cattle; basic site factors (such as elevation, forest type, conifer basal area)?
Because the answers to these questions will most likely differ from one area to another, the study will use three methods of investigation across the plateau.
- Small exclosures (32 feet x 32 feet, or similar) will be set up in 13 locations. The exact locations will be developed with the help of interested permittees.
- Pastures will be surveyed before and after cattle use.
- Aspen regeneration will be surveyed at random locations across the plateau.
The UP has received grants from the National Forest Foundation and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to conduct this study.
To download a presentation by Dr. Dan Binkley, CSU, on Aspen on the UP, click here.
To download a one-page executive summary on the study, click here.
