Aspen fencing in northern Arizona: A 15-year perspective

Abstract

Aspen clearcuts in the 1960s and 1970s on the Peaks Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest in northern Arizona failed to regenerate successfully because of browsing primarily by elk. Since 1985, over 400 acres have been successfully regenerated using fencing of various designs to exclude elk. The expense and visual impact of establishing and maintaining over 20 miles of fence along with continued damage to aspen greater than 3.0 inches d.b.h. outside the fenced areas have resulted in the Arizona Game and Fish Department increasing the elk hunting permits by 400% in an effort to reduce the elk herd in the area of the San Francisco Peaks.

Parent Publication

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

Citation

Rolf, James M. 2001. Aspen fencing in northern Arizona: A 15-year perspective. 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. 193-196.