Treesearch

Cattle and mule deer competed very little for forage on a central Colorado ponderosa pine-bunchgrass range during the spring-summer-fall grazing season. Species they selected for the bulk of their diets were quite different. Diets overlapped most for fringed sagebrush and sunsedge. Fringed sagebrush was used heavily by both deer and cattle in April-May. Sunsedge was cnsumed in small amounts by both animals throughout most of the grazing season. Management of the timber stand increased forage for both types of animals. Also, timber stand improvement practices resulted in short-term availabil...

Topics discussed include: (1) cutting methods, (2) stand structure goals, which involve choosing a residual stocking level, selecting a maximum tree size, and establishing a diameter distribution using the "q" technique, and (3) harvesting and removal of trees. Examples illustrate how to determine realistic stand structures for the initial entry for specific stand conditions, and management and silvicultural constraints.

The role of deer and cattle in the failure of aspen stands to regenerate on Beaver Mountain in southern Utah was investigated by a series of exclosures constructed in 1934. Three-fourths of each exclosure was clearcut of aspen in 1934. Aspen reproduction, shrubs, and herbaceous understory were measured in 1937, 1942, 1949, and 1975. Implications of wildlife and livestock use on aspen reproduction are discussed.

Summary tables are presented for aboveground biomass and nutrient concentrations for 20 aspen trees (Populus tremuloides Michx.) that were sampled at two study sites in Utah and Wyoming. Trees were divided into seven components - leaves, current twigs, old twigs, deadwood (branches), branches, bark, and bole wood. Samples from each component were analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and percent ash.

Twelve presented and 15 contributed papers highlight what is known about this unique, diminishing vegetative type: characteristics, classification systems, associated fauna, use conflicts, management alternatives, and research needs. Speakers stressed the continuity and interrelationships of riparian ecosystems, their wildlife and vegetation, historic and current uses.

The hydrologic response of small clearcuts on north and south slopes in northern Idaho was investigated. On the north slope, substantial gains (27 to 35 cm) in potential water yield per year resulted from (a) removal of transpiring surfaces associated with plant cover, (b) elimination of snow interception by a closed-canopied forest, and (C) delayed reoccupation of the soil mantle by invading herbaceous species. On the south slope, small to moderate gains (4 to 11 em) in yield resulted from clearcutting, at least in 1973, the year studied.

A land-classification system based upon potential natural vegetation is presented for the forests of Montana. It is based on an intensive 4-year study and reconnaissance sampling of about 1,500 stands. A hierarchical classification of forest sites was developed using the habitat type concept. A total of 9 climax series, 64 habitat types, and 37 additional phases of habitat types are defined. A diagnostic key is provided for field identification of the types based on indicator species used in development of the classification. More Information

This revised alphabetical list of botanical and common names of vascular plants that primarily grow on wildlands of the Intermountain region and adjacent areas has been assembled for use in quickly recording occurrence of plants in the field and for rapid machine processing of field data. Included are plants found in Utah, Nevada, southern Idaho, and Wyoming, and most Montana species.

This report provides a general overview of work done on the Fraser Experimental Forest. It replaces Station Paper No.8, published in 1952 and revised by L. D. Love in 1960. Included are descriptions of physical features and resource values, and highlights of past and current research programs.

This report summarizes the literature on the spruce beetle in the western United States, primarily in the Rocky Mountains. Information is presented on life history and behavior, host relationships, mortality agents and impacts of infestations. A section on suppression details the current status of chemicals, pheromones, trap trees and silvicultural treatments. The initial steps in managing spruce beetle populations are stated in the final section on beetle management policy.