Protocol-level brose and reburn surveys for the Moonlight Fire Aspen Monitoring Project were performed by
PAS for the U.S. Forest Service. Surveys target Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides).
Browse surveys were performed by PAS staff in 2020 in accordance with United States Department of Agriculture
“Browsed Plant Method for Young Quaking Aspen” protocol. Surveys were conducted to monitor aspen response in the aftermath of the 2007 Moonlight Fire. Surveys were conducted on fourteen previously delineated aspen stands facing pressure from grazing.
Browse surveys found all aspen stands presenting evidence of browse except one. Four aspen stands within the Moonlight footprint showed over 50% graze of young saplings. The stands which presented over 50% graze of young saplings had evidence of pressure from both deer and livestock.
Reburn surveys were performed by PAS staff in 2022 and 2023. These surveys were conducted to monitor aspen response to repeated forest fires, particularly following the impact of the 2007 Moonlight Fire and 2021 Dixie Fire on these stands.
Reburn surveys found all aspen stands presenting evidence of regeneration through root suckering, in which new shoots are sent out from their extensive root system.
PAS for the U.S. Forest Service. Surveys target Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides).
Browse surveys were performed by PAS staff in 2020 in accordance with United States Department of Agriculture
“Browsed Plant Method for Young Quaking Aspen” protocol. Surveys were conducted to monitor aspen response in the aftermath of the 2007 Moonlight Fire. Surveys were conducted on fourteen previously delineated aspen stands facing pressure from grazing.
Browse surveys found all aspen stands presenting evidence of browse except one. Four aspen stands within the Moonlight footprint showed over 50% graze of young saplings. The stands which presented over 50% graze of young saplings had evidence of pressure from both deer and livestock.
Reburn surveys were performed by PAS staff in 2022 and 2023. These surveys were conducted to monitor aspen response to repeated forest fires, particularly following the impact of the 2007 Moonlight Fire and 2021 Dixie Fire on these stands.
Reburn surveys found all aspen stands presenting evidence of regeneration through root suckering, in which new shoots are sent out from their extensive root system.
