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Aspen has not been cut extensively in the West; in fact, it has been grossly underutilized. For example, as recently as 1975, the aspen harvest from National Forests in four Forest Service regions in the Rocky Mountain area was 7.64 million board feet. Additional minor volumes were cut on special-use permits for products such as fuel and corral poles. The total amount cut represented only 0.1% of the net volume available in these aspen forests.

This paper reviews the discussion contained in the 11 presentations given at a symposium on recreation choice behavior. It addresses major points of commonality in the papers, as well as areas where differences exist. It also suggests a number of areas in which additional research on recreation choice behavior is needed.

Aspen trees grow along moist stream bottoms as well as on dry ridges and southerly exposures, on talus slopes, and on shallow to deep soils of varied origins. Quaking aspen is one of the few plant species that can grow in all mountain vegetational zones from the alpine to the basal plain (Daubenmire 1943). As a consequence, aspen dominated communities are found intermixed with such divergent vegetation as semiarid shrublands and wet sprucefir forests.

The broad genotypic variability in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), that results in equally broad phenotypic variability among clones is important to the ecology and management of this species. This chapter considers principles of aspen genetics and variation, variation in aspen over its range, and local variation among clones. For a more detailed review of the genetics of qualung aspen, especially with wider geographic application and with emphasis on tree breeding, see Einspahr and Winton (1976).

Twenty-seven water quality parameters were measured in coal surface mine impoundments, bentonite surface mine impoundments, and livestock ponds in the Northern High Plains. Most impoundments were safe for use as a source for livestock drinking water. Eight water quality parameters were different (a

Breeding chronology and reproductive success of the Merlin (Falco columbarius richarsonii) were studied in southeastern Montana from 1978 - 1981. Breeding activity spanned 5 mo from the earliest observation of adults to the latest dispersal of adults and young from nesting areas. Clutch size, brood size and fledging success at active nests were similar (P > 0.05) among the 4 yrs. Mortality tended to be highest before the hatching stage. Breeding chronology and reproductive success were similar to results of studies in Canada.

This field guide - designed for use by people with minimal botanical training - is an identification aid for nearly 200 plant species having ecological indicator value in northern Idaho forest habitat types. It contains line drawings, simplified taxonomic descriptions , characteristics tables, conspectuses, and keys. It emphasizes characteristics useful for field identification of many common and special interest plants. This is not a comprehensive taxonomy of northern Idaho flora.PLEASE NOTE: This publication was revised with RMRS-GTR-118

Quaking aspen dominates several million acres on mountainous watersheds in the West. The sites occupied receive enough precipitation to yield water to lower elevations. Most aspen areas receive 16 inches (40 cm) or more precipitation annually; many receive more than 39 inches (100 cm) (see the CLIMATES chapter), well in excess of on-site loss from evapotranspiration. The distribution of aspen in the West coincides well with areas that have deep winter snowpacks and that produce runoff (fig. 1) (see the DISTRIBUTION and CLIMATES chapters). The recharge of soil with snowmelt water during...

Information about the biology, ecology, and management of quaking aspen on the mountains and plateaus of the interior western United States, and to a lesser extent, Canada, is summarized and discussed. The biology of aspen as a tree species, community relationships in the aspen ecosystem, environments, and factors affecting aspen forests are reviewed. The resources available within and from the aspen forest type, and their past and potential uses are examined. Silvicultural methods and other approaches to managing aspen for various resources and uses are presented.

Aspen is noted for its ability to regenerate vegetatively by adventitious shoots or suckers that arise on its long lateral roots. It also produces sprouts from stumps and root collars; but they are not common. In a survey of regeneration after clearcutting mature aspen in Utah. Baker (1918b) found that 92% of the shoots originated from roots, 7% from root collars, and 1% from stumps. Stump and root collar sprouts are more common when sapling-sized or younger aspen are cut; but even then, they probably do not exceed 20% of the regeneration (Maini 1968).