Planting Aspen to Rehabilitate Riparian Areas: a Pilot Study

Authors

Wayne D. Shepperd
Stephen A. Mata

Document Type

Report

Source

Res. Pap. RMRS-RN-26. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 5 p.

Volume

RMRS-RN-26

First Page

1

Last Page

5

Publication Date

2005

Abstract

We planted 742 greenhouse-grown containerized aspen seedlings in the riparian area of Hurd Creek on the Arapaho National Forest east of Tabernash, Colorado. Objectives were to (1) determine whether aspen seedlings can be planted in an operational setting and survive in sufficient numbers to successfully establish a mature aspen stand and (2) determine the effectiveness of fencing on aspen seedling survival. Five-year survival rates were 18 percent in the fenced area and 23 percent in the unfenced area. Seedling heights were significantly taller in the fenced area than in the unfenced area.

Recommended Citation

Shepperd, Wayne D.; Mata, Stephen A. 2005. Planting aspen to rehabilitate riparian areas: a pilot study. Res. Pap. RMRS-RN-26. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 5 p.