Age Distribution and Reproduction of Intermountain Aspen Stands

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Abstract
Stand age and sucker reproduction was measured in 713 aspen-dominated forest plots on nine National Forests in Utah, southeastern Idaho, and western Wyoming. About 95% of the quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) stands are dominated by mature or over-mature trees. Almost one-sixth are in the 120-year or older age class and can be expected to deteriorate rapidly. The oldest aspen measured was 222 years. Stands in central and southern Utah are generally older than those in southeastern Idaho and western Wyoming. A fourth of the stands had more than 2,000 suckers per acre; half had fewer than 800 per acre. Approximately a third of the essentially pure (i.e., not invaded by conifers), mature or over-mature stands may experience regeneration problems because they contain less than 500 suckers per acre. A decision model is presented that will assist managers in identifying stands that require direct management intervention to ensure their survival as aspen-dominated communities. West J. Appl. For. 4(2):41-45, April 1989.

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