Document Type

Conference Paper

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Ecology and Management of Pinyon-Juniper Communities Within the Interior West

Location

Provo, Utah

Publication Date

1999

First Page

121

Last Page

133

Abstract

Through use of repeat photography, archival research, and field observation to reconstruct landscape vegetation patterns and changes across a 120 year period in the upper Tintic Valley of central Utah, researchers found significant changes in landscape vegetation pattern over time, including change in pinyon-juniper woodland area. Previously reported massive woodland harvest associated with early mining, domestic and agricultural activities elsewhere in the Intermountain West also took place in Utah. The impact on woodland area of the agricultural "bull" fence alone was significant. More recent study area woodland expansion also occurred. Because intensive industrial activity associated with development of the Tintic Mining District occurred prior to the taking of the study's 1911 photographs, those photos failed to reflect presettlement, or even early settlement, vegetation conditions. Overall, results suggest that historical ecological studies must employ a range of overlapping methodologies to accurately interpret the nature and direction of landscape vegetation change. Such information is useful for managing regional ecosystems now and into the future.

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