Aspen structure and variability in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA

摘要: Elk, fire and climate have influenced aspen populations in the Rocky Mountains, but mostly subjective studies characterized these factors. A broad-scale perspective may shed new light on status of region. We collected field measurements (Populus tremuloides Michx.) patches encountered within 36 randomly located belt transects 340 km2 Mountain National Park, Colorado, to quantify population. Aspen covered 5.6% area transects, much more than expected based previously remotely sensed data. The distribution structure were highly heterogeneous throughout study area. Of 123 238 ha surveyed, all one showed signs elk browsing or had conifer species mixed with stems. No significant difference occurred basal area, density, regeneration, regeneration patch size, between areas concentrated use (elk winter range) dispersed summer range). Two-thirds species. concluded that population our is variable that, at a landscape-scale, evidence widespread decline not.