Pando's Lessons: Restoration of a Giant Aspen Clone

Authors

Paul C. Rogers, Utah State UniversityFollow
Jody Gale, Utah State UniversityFollow
Darren McAvoy, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Report

Journal/Book Title/Conference

WAA Briefs

Volume

4-v2

Publisher

Extension, Utah State University

First Page

1

Last Page

2

Publication Date

5-2021

Abstract

A 106 acre (43 ha) aspen clone lives in the Fishlake National Forest in south-central Utah. Clones are comprised of multiple aspen stems, called ramets, which are genetically identical. This particular colony of ramets was named “Pando” (Latin for “I spread”) by researchers believing it to be the largest living organism by mass on earth. Recently, forest managers have noted a rapid dying of mature stems without recruitment of younger trees. This unsustainable situation has galvanized restoration efforts at Pando. Human interventions caused this imbalance; restoration will rely on protection, monitoring, and innovation. As a laboratory, this forest icon may provide insights for much broader human-nature interactions.

Recommended Citation

Rogers, Paul C.; Gale, Jody; and McAvoy, Darren, "Pando's Lessons: Restoration of a Giant Aspen Clone" (2021). Aspen Bibliography. Paper 8035.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/aspen_bib/8035