Field guide to old ponderosa pines in the Colorado Front Range

Laurie Huckaby; Merrill R. Kaufmann; Paula J. Fornwalt; Jason M. Stoker; Chuck Dennis

doi:10.2737/RMRS-GTR-109

Treesearch

Field guide to old ponderosa pines in the Colorado Front Range

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Laurie Huckaby, Merrill R. Kaufmann, Paula J. Fornwalt, Jason M. Stoker, Chuck Dennis

Year:

2003

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/RMRS-GTR-109

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-109. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 43 p.

Download (PDF 6.28 MB)

Download (PDF 6.28 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/5577.pdf

Abstract

We describe the distinguishing physical characteristics of old ponderosa pine trees in the Front Range of Colorado and the ecological processes that tend to preserve them. Photographs illustrate identifying features of old ponderosa pines and show how to differentiate them from mature and young trees. The publication includes a photographic gallery of old ponderosa pine trees growing on poor, moderate, and good sites. We illustrate trees growing under various forest conditions and with different injuries and histories. The companion general technical report includes a more detailed description of ponderosa pine ecology and the role of old trees in the historical and modern landscapes.

Keywords

ponderosa pine, old growth, Colorado Front Range, fire ecology, montane zone

Citation

Huckaby, Laurie Stroh; Kaufmann, Merrill R.; Fornwalt, Paula J.; Stoker, Jason M.; and Dennis, Chuck. 2003. Field guide to old ponderosa pines in the Colorado Front Range. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-109. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 43 p.