Landscape-Scale Dynamics of Aspen in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Authors

Margot W. Kaye
Kuni Suzuki
Dan Binkley
Thomas J. Stohlgren

Document Type

Contribution to Book

Editor

WD Shepperd, D Binkley, DL Bartos, TJ Stohlgren, and LG Eskew compilers

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Sustaining Aspen in Western Landscapes: Symposium Proceedings

Volume

Proceedings RMRS-P-18

Publisher

USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station

First Page

39

Last Page

46

Publication Date

2001

Abstract

Past studies of quaking aspen in Rocky Mountain National Park suggested that the aspen population is declining due to intensive browsing by elk (Cervus elaphus). These studies were conducted in the elk winter range, an area of intensive elk impact. The elk summer range experiences less intense grazing pressure. We tested the hypothesis that impacts of elk would be greater in the elk winter range than the summer range with landscape-scale data from the Park. The detrimental effects of elk on aspen are highly localized and, at larger spatial scales, elk browsing does not seem to be influencing the aspen population.

Recommended Citation

Kaye, MW et al. 2001. Landscape-scale dynamics of aspen in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. WD Shepperd et al (compilers). Sustaining Aspen in Western Landscapes: Symposium Proceedings. Proceedings RMRS-P-18. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. Fort Collins, CO.