Quaking aspen and the human experience: Dimensions, issues, and challenges

Abstract

Humans assign four types of meanings to aspen landscapes: (1) instrumental meanings dealing with the attainment of a goal - such as production of pulp or provision of recreation opportunities; (2) aesthetic meanings; (3) cultural/symbolic meanings dealing with spiritual and social attachments to landscapes; and (4) individual/expressive meanings derived out of interactions with aspen landscapes at the personal level. The amount of knowledge available for each meaning varies, with most knowledge developed for instrumental meanings. Management of aspen occurs within a dynamic social and political context, with greater emphasis being placed on the latter two meanings, but without the empirical, positivist basis to support actions. Therefore, a change in the planning paradigm used to develop decisions is needed.

Parent Publication

• Sustaining aspen in western landscapes: Symposium proceedings; 13-15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO

Citation

McCool, Stephen F. 2001. Quaking aspen and the human experience: Dimensions, issues, and challenges. In: Shepperd, Wayne D.; Binkley, Dan; Bartos, Dale L.; Stohlgren, Thomas J.; Eskew, Lane G., comps. Sustaining aspen in western landscapes: Symposium proceedings; 13-15 June 2000; Grand Junction, CO. Proceedings RMRS-P-18. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 147-162.