Interpretations of vegetative change through 1989: The photopoints

Abstract

The 1907 to 1911 logging operations and subsequent lack of surface fires dramatically changed the patterns of plant succession at Lick Creek. Large quantities of overstory pines were felled, creating sizable openings. Logs were skidded and slash was burned in piles (Koch 1998) locally scraping off or consuming surface vegetation, pine needle litter, and humus, and exposing mineral soil. The photo sequences covering the next 40 years show that tall shrubs (especially Scouler’s willow) and tree regeneration became established in direct proportion to the amount of stand opening and soil surface disturbance. The response of tall shrubs and tree regeneration was most vigorous on the moist habitat types.

Parent Publication

• Eighty-eight years of change in a managed ponderosa pine forest

Citation

Gruell, G. E.; Schmidt, W. C.; Arno, S. F.; Reich, W. J. 1999. Interpretations of vegetative change through 1989: The photopoints. In: Smith, Helen Y.; Arno, Stephen F., eds. Eighty-eight years of change in a managed ponderosa pine forest. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-23. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 20-21