Interaction among cervids, fungi, and aspen in northwest Wyoming

Abstract

Eighty-five 0.02-ha plots in the Gros Ventre River drainage of northwestern Wyoming with high elk usage had 39% fewer aspen stems in 1985 than in 1970. Sixtyfive of these plots were remeasured in 1989 and 53 additional plots established in 1986 on the Hoback River drainage (lower winter elk usage) were remeasured in 1990. Overall mortality (average/year) of aspen stems >2.5 cm d.b.h. was 2.6% (1970-1985), 2.4% (1985-1989), and 2.3% (1989-1999) for the Gros Ventre plots, and 1.9% (1986-1990) for the Hoback plots. Larger stems (>15 cm) had lower mortality rates than smaller stems. Additional studies conducted near elk feedgrounds also showed that mortality caused by pathogenic fungi was correlated with the amount of prior cervid injury to stem boles. Aspen sprouts exposed to cervids rarely exceeded 1 m in height. These observations indicate that herbivory and disease may be reducing aspen distribution in these ecosystems.

Parent Publication

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

Citation

Hart, John H.; Hart, D. L. 2001. Interaction among cervids, fungi, and aspen in northwest Wyoming. 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. 197-206.