Aspen Loss

Aspen Loss

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
In talking with Greg Losinski, a Fish and Game spokesperson, I learned that the natural world of the Northwest is always changing.  The term that biologists use to describe this process is called succession.  Whenever man gets involved with nature, succession is altered in some fashion.  Often the impact of man's involvement is not known immediately and may take decades to become evident.   In the Intermountain West, a variety of man's activities as well as natural factors have led to a situation where native aspen trees are in dramatic decline. So why am I talking about this biological subject on Sportsman's Spotlight? Here's Greg: "Robust stands of aspen trees are not only important to maintaining a healthy forest, but they provide critical habitat for a wide range of wildlife, especially mule deer and elk. The United States Forest Service, Idaho Department of Fish & Game, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation have joined together on numerous projects to benefit aspen. I will never forget. I used to own a log cabin on a mountainside in Flagstaff...elevation 9200 feet. The forest service road that ld to my home was lined with aspen trees and was the most magnificent sight you can imagine. The loss of aspen is a national tragedy.
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