A new strategy to estimate the sensitivity of alpine plant species to atmospheric deposition is presented. This approach utilizes plant physiological and morphological characteristics to estimate pollutant uptake. The plant characteristics can be made quickly and easily in the field within the constraints of allowable activities in Class I wilderness areas. Species in two alpine sites have been sampled and the first potential sensitivity rankings of alpine species have been constructed. While the accuracy of these rankings still needs to be verified, they provide a framework for prioritizing species for future research.

Schoettle, Anna W. 1995 Predicting the Potential Sensitivity of High Elevation Wilderness Vegetation to Changes in Atmospheric Chemistry – A Strategy. In: Interior West Global Change Workshop, Tinus, RW (tech. ed.). RM-GTR-262. Ft. Collins, CO: USDA FS Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station: 63-67