Model-based assessment of aspen responses to elk herbivory in Rocky Mountain National Park

Peter J. Weisberg; Michael B. Coughenour

doi:10.1007/s00267-002-0029-3

Treesearch

Model-based assessment of aspen responses to elk herbivory in Rocky Mountain National Park

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Peter J. Weisberg, Michael B. Coughenour

Year:

2001

Type:

Proceedings

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-002-0029-3

Source:

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. 183-184.

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Abstract

In Rocky Mountain National Park, aspen has been observed to decline on elk winter range for many decades. The SAVANNA ecosystem model was adapted to explore interactions between elk herbivory and aspen dynamics on the elk winter range. Several scenarios were explored that considered different levels of overall elk population; different levels of elk utilization of aspen, reflected by the length of time during which elk utilized the aspen stand; and different fencing treatments where fences were removed following a specified, variable number of years.

Parent Publication

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

Keywords

ecosystem management, ecosystem research, sustainable forests, quaking aspen, Populus tremuloides

Citation

Weisberg, Peter J.; Coughenour, Michael B. 2001. Model-based assessment of aspen responses to elk herbivory in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 183-184.