The Western Aspen Alliance: Promoting Sustainable Aspen Ecosystems in Western North America
Event Website
http://www.nafew2009.org/
Start Date
6-22-2009 12:00 AM
End Date
6-26-2009 12:00 AM
Description
A consortium of researchers and managers has formed the Western Aspen Alliance (WAA) to coordinate and facilitate advances in aspen ecology in Western North America. Our prime goal is to disseminate state-of-the-science aspen information to interested managers, scientists, the public, and other users. Recent events, some potentially related to climate change, have spurred interest in aspen ecology. For example, reports of sudden aspen mortality, large-scale seedling establishment following wildfires, and documentation of trophic interactions between wolves, elk, and aspen, have all significantly modified our understanding of aspen ecosystems. We realize, regionally, that an aging aspen cohort will need to successfully regenerate to maintain sustainable populations. Wildlife pressure on aspen regeneration is an issue of concern for managers throughout western North America. The WAA will incorporate these lessons into an ongoing resource bank for managers throughout the region. From a science perspective, we wish to engender a cross-disciplinary network of researchers willing to take on pertinent aspen topics. For example, there is a current need to assess the extent of Sudden Aspen Decline (SAD), seral/stable aspen stands, and historic aspen coverage. Basic research on aspen physiology, disturbance ecology, water yield, genetics, herbivory, and biodiversity/trophic interactions issues are also desired. The social/aesthetic value of aspen is an another up-and-coming research area in need of work. We will form working groups for these issues and pursue additional aspen topics that arise. A central role of the WAA will be to sponsor field visits, workshops, conferences, and collaboration between researchers. We have recently initiated a bibliographic database of aspen research and management topics for use by WAA members. Though sponsored by Utah State University’s College of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, we are currently working with numerous state and federal agencies, NGO’s, and universities. We welcome your input and participation!
The Western Aspen Alliance: Promoting Sustainable Aspen Ecosystems in Western North America
A consortium of researchers and managers has formed the Western Aspen Alliance (WAA) to coordinate and facilitate advances in aspen ecology in Western North America. Our prime goal is to disseminate state-of-the-science aspen information to interested managers, scientists, the public, and other users. Recent events, some potentially related to climate change, have spurred interest in aspen ecology. For example, reports of sudden aspen mortality, large-scale seedling establishment following wildfires, and documentation of trophic interactions between wolves, elk, and aspen, have all significantly modified our understanding of aspen ecosystems. We realize, regionally, that an aging aspen cohort will need to successfully regenerate to maintain sustainable populations. Wildlife pressure on aspen regeneration is an issue of concern for managers throughout western North America. The WAA will incorporate these lessons into an ongoing resource bank for managers throughout the region. From a science perspective, we wish to engender a cross-disciplinary network of researchers willing to take on pertinent aspen topics. For example, there is a current need to assess the extent of Sudden Aspen Decline (SAD), seral/stable aspen stands, and historic aspen coverage. Basic research on aspen physiology, disturbance ecology, water yield, genetics, herbivory, and biodiversity/trophic interactions issues are also desired. The social/aesthetic value of aspen is an another up-and-coming research area in need of work. We will form working groups for these issues and pursue additional aspen topics that arise. A central role of the WAA will be to sponsor field visits, workshops, conferences, and collaboration between researchers. We have recently initiated a bibliographic database of aspen research and management topics for use by WAA members. Though sponsored by Utah State University’s College of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, we are currently working with numerous state and federal agencies, NGO’s, and universities. We welcome your input and participation!
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/nafecology/sessions/posters/11