Abstract

Aspen forests are strongly influenced by disturbances like fire and ungulate herbivory, which can impact plant community composition and succession. Human activities alter these disturbances, affecting their timing, extent, and severity. Chapter 1 explores the effects of large-scale prescribed fire and mechanical thinning treatments on aspen regeneration and vulnerability to ungulate herbivory. Results show that while aspen regeneration was hindered by chronic ungulate herbivory in untreated areas, mechanical thinning and prescribed fire stimulated aspen regeneration. However, mechanically thinned plots were vulnerable to ungulate herbivory, with only prescribed fire having reduced browsing. Chapter 2 investigates herbivory patterns and recruitment across stable aspen stands over a ten-year period. The study finds that native ungulate pressure decreased over time, leading to increased aspen regeneration and recruitment, particularly in areas with greater slope and southern locations on the mountain. The chapters collectively suggest that habitat restoration can alleviate ungulate pressure while physiographic characteristics mediate aspen response to disturbances, emphasizing the importance of targeted management strategies for aspen conservation.

Degree

College and Department

Life Sciences; Plant and Wildlife Sciences

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