General condition of western forests

Presented at the Can forests meet our energy needs? The future of forest biomass in Colorado conference, February 21, 2008, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.Dr. Wayne D. Shepperd retired in January, 2007 from a career as a Research Silviculturist, at the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station in Fort Collins, Colorado. He has authored over 100 research publications on the ecology, growth, and management of Rocky Mountain Forests. He holds a B.S. in Outdoor Recreation, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Silviculture from Colorado State University. In retirement, Wayne continues to work part time as a forestry consultant

Aspen mortality summit, December 18 and 19, 2006, Salt Lake City, Utah

The USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station sponsored an aspen sum- mit meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 18 and19, 2006, to discuss the rapidly increasing mortality of aspen (Populus tremuloides) throughout the western United States. Selected scientists, university faculty, and managers from Federal, State, and non-profit agencies with experience working with aspen were invited. Participants were first asked to share information on recent aspen mortality. Subject matter working groups were then asked to determine factors associated with recent aspen mortality, recommend research needs, and organize those needs into testable questions and hypotheses. This report documents their findings, and will serve as a platform for Resource Managers to address the Sudden Aspen Decline issue

Manipulations to Regenerate Aspen Ecosystems

Vegetative regeneration of aspen can be initiated through manipulations that provide hormonal stimulation, proper growth environment, and sucker protec- tion—the three elements of the aspen regeneration triangle. The correct course of action depends upon a careful evaluation of the size, vigor, age, and successional status of the existing clone. Soils and site productivity, competition from other plants, and the potential impact of browsing animals upon new regeneration should also be consid- ered. Treatments may include doing nothing, commercial harvest, prescribed fire, mechanical root stimulation, removal of competing vegetation, protection of regenera- tion from herbivory, and in limited circumstances, regenerating aspen from seed

Techniques to restore aspen forests in the western U.S.

A series of case studies conducted in Colorado, Arizona, and Utah have shown that vegetative regenera- tion of declining aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) can be initiated through manipulations that provide three critical elements defined as the aspen regeneration triangle: 1) hormonal stimulation, 2) proper growth environment, and 3) sucker protection. Results of the studies used to formulate this treatment model are presented along with recommenda- tions for innovative treatments to restore aspen in landscapes where it is rare or in decline. Soils and site productivity, competition from other plants, and the potential impact of browsing animals upon new regeneration should all be considered. Choosing a course of action depends upon a careful evaluation of the size, vigor, age, and successional status of candidate aspen clones. Treatments may include doing nothing, removal of existing aspen trees, removal of competing vegetation, prescribed burning, mechanical root stimulation, and browse protection