Aspen trees (Populus
tremuloides) are widely distributed throughout North America; they grow
in a variety of climates, commonly located in areas with abundant sunlight
and moisture. Aspen stands are significantly different than ponderosa pine
dominated forests in Genesee; they offer a unique habitat and support a
variety of wildlife.
Aspen stands are sometimes
classified as a climax (end stage) species; however, in Genesee they are a
seral or transitional stage to conifers. Soon after an ecological
disturbance, usually fire, they actively re-sprout or sucker from lateral
roots and will initially out-compete seed producing conifers.
Aspen trees in Genesee and
throughout Colorado have been in decline over the past several years. Dead
and decaying remnant aspen trees, located well outside current aspen stand
perimeters, are still visible on the forest floor. The occurrence of these
dead trees indicates that at one time Genesee’s aspen stands were much
larger than they are today
A major factor in the decline
of aspen stands in Genesee is conifer encroachment. Evergreens such as
ponderosa pine and Douglas fir will grow and compete with existing aspen
stands for available sunlight; eventually the shade produced from these
conifers will diminish aspen photosynthesis. Conifer replacement may be
gradual, but if an aspen stand is located within a mixed conifer forest, the
aspen stand can give way to encroaching conifers within a decade.
Eventually, aspen trees will die or exist in a stunted or suppressed form
resulting in a homogenous Ponderosa pine / Douglas fir forest, this
homogenous forest will remain until an ecological disturbance, either
mechanical or natural, “re-sets” ecological succession allowing aspens to
re-sprout.
In 2007 Genesee approved a demonstration aspen regeneration project along
Genesee Ridge Road east of Foothills Drive South. This stand has been
in decline for the past few years, dead trees have been removed. Deer
and elk will be excluded using a smooth wire fence which will relieve the
suckering aspen trees from deer and elk browse pressure.
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