ADVANCED SUCCESSION
Succession is the process of forest recovery after a disturbance. In high elevation white pine stands, the white pines are the pioneer species that become established immediately after a disturbance. Over time, other species such as subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce become established in the shade of the white pines. As succession advances, the spruce and fir trees get larger and shade the white pines causing the white pines to die out and become a smaller component of the forest. With fire suppression, many areas that are good habitat for high elevation white pines are now dominated by spruce and fir.
- Protect high value trees
- Restoring ecosystem integrity in impacted areas
- Sustaining ecosystem integrity and preparing landscapes for infection
Protect high value trees
Advanced succession is a condition of a forested stand therefore high value white pine trees would be those with heritable rust resistance or other unique traits. Stands in advanced stage of succession trend to be dense and prone to high intensity fire. Removal of trees around plus trees and clearing the duff layer at the base of the tree can increase the likelihood of survival in the event of a catastrophic fire. This treatment will also reduce the shading of the white pine tree and increase its health and vigor.
Restoring ecosystem integrity in impacted areas
Reintroducing fire or allowing low intensity wildfires to burn in these habitats will create a mosaic of open and forested patches thereby providing open areas for white pines to become established.
Sustaining ecosystem integrity and preparing ecosystems not yet impacted
Restoring the natural fire cycle in these ecosystems will provide the mix of successional stages on the landscape to promote species diversity and health of high elevation white pine ecosystems.
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