Burning to Regenerate Aspen Woodlands

Aspen woodlands are declining in western Canada and the US. The hardwood groves provide a wildlife habitat that is much more diverse than the coniferous forests that are replacing them in many areas. Populus tremuloides reproduce primarily by vegetative means, sprouting suckers from existing root systems after fires or other disturbances. Without periodic wildfires aspen groves become dominated by conifers that tower over them, blocking needed sunlight.

Aspen bark and saplings are attractive foods for ungulates and other forest animals. Human settlement has wiped out wolves and grizzly bears in many areas. Without natural predators, populations of deer and elk have expanded, further pressuring aspen groves.

Researchers are studying different methods and the timing of controlled burns to restore aspen woodlands to give forestry officials and landowners options that fit their land management objectives.

Groups studying the effects of large predators on forest ecosystems are encouraging the reintroduction of wolves to public lands to control elk populations.

Links:

• Return of the Native: ARS Scientists Stimulate Growth of Native Aspen Trees from the Agricultural Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture


• Biogeography of Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) from San Francisco State University


• Aspen Restoration in the Western United States from the USDA Forest Service


• The Aspen Project from Oregon State University

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 11:39 AM on October 11, 2005