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Aspen, Elk, and Fire: The Effects of Human Institutions on Ecosystem Processes

Aspen is the most widely distributed tree species in North America and the second most widely distributed tree species in the world. In the mountains of the western United States, aspen forest comprises only about 2% to 5% of total vegetative cover (Baker 1925), though at local spatial scales aspen may be absent or cover a far larger portion of the landscape. Despite its low spatial coverage at large spatial scales, aspen is one of few common hardwood species in the West, and it is increasingly recognized for the high species diversity in its stands. Aspen groves tend to harbor a rich diversity of understory plants, butterflies, and cavity-nesting birds not found in neighboring coniferous forest. Aspen also provide forage and cover for native and domestic ungulates and give us the spectacular fall vistas typical of the mountain West.