Ponderosa Pine - Forest Management  

Seed production and regeneration establishment in shelterwood and seed-tree regenerated Front Range ponderosa pine  - This study has been underway at Manitou Experimental Forest (MEF) since 1981 in cooperation with Carl Edminster.  Establishment and growth of both  natural and planted ponderosa pine seedlings is being studied on scarified and non-scarified seedbeds under shelterwood and seed-tree overstory treatments at seven replicated locations at MEF.  Yearly seedfall data are also being collected.  Data compiled thus far indicate scarified seedbeds under shelterwood overstories are most efficient in establishing regeneration.  Although good seed crops are produced every 2-4 years, only the 1982 and 1984 cohorts have thus far survived well.  However, the 1995 seedling crop is the best yet.  Additional work to investigate the continued benefit of scarification is planned and a publication summarizing results to date is in development. (photos & graph are 186 KB total)