Aspen Forest After Harvest

Authors

Norbert V. DeByle

Document Type

Contribution to Book

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Utilization and Marketing as Tools for Aspen Management in the Rocky Mountains: Proceedings of the Symposium

Volume

General Technical Report RM-29

Publisher

USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station

First Page

35

Last Page

40

Publication Date

1976

Abstract

Aspen is a unique forest tree with respect to regeneration. It produces abundant root suckers, up to 40,000 per acre are common, after clearcutting or fire removes the parent stand. The rapidly growing sucker stand competes well with other vegetation, but is susceptible to destruction by excessive ungulate browsing. Clearcut areas produce more streamflow and more growth on shrubs and herbaceous vegetation than does the uncut forest. The patchwork of age classes that results from even-age management optimizes wildlife habitat requirements for several desired species.

Recommended Citation

DeByle, Norbert V. 1976. The aspen forest after harvest. Pages 35-40 in D.L. Hessel et al. (eds) Utilization and marketing as tools for aspen management in the Rocky Mountains, Proceedings of the Symposium. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, General Technical Report RM-29. Fort Collins, CO.