Trends in snag populations in Northern Arizona mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine forests, 1997-2012

Joseph L. Ganey; Scott Vojta

doi:10.2737/RMRS-RP-105

Treesearch

Trends in snag populations in Northern Arizona mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine forests, 1997-2012

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Joseph L. Ganey, Scott Vojta

Year:

2014

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/RMRS-RP-105

Source:

Res. Pap. RMRS-RP-105. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 12 p.

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Abstract

We monitored snag populations in drought-stressed mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests, northern Arizona, at 5-yr intervals from 1997-2012. Snag density increased from 1997-2007 in both forest types, with accelerated change due to drought-related tree mortality during the period 2002-2007. Snag density declined non-significantly from 2007-2012, but median snag density in 2012 remained significantly greater than median density in 1997. Differences in composition of snag populations also persisted through 2012. Our results suggest that the drought-mediated spike in tree mortality observed from 2002-2007 did not persist from 2007-2012 and snag populations may be converging toward previous levels in terms of both snag density and composition of snag populations.

Keywords

climate change, drought, snag creation, snag dynamics, spatial variability

Citation

Ganey, J. L.; Vojta, S. C. 2014. Trends in snag populations in Northern Arizona mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine forests, 1997-2012. Res. Pap. RMRS-RP-105. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 12 p.