The mountain pine beetle epidemic wildfire suppression, climate change and rural property development will impact the Colorado’s forests over the next several decades.
Rocky Mountain Forests
OSU: Managed Northwest conifer forests threaten many species
When the primary goal of a forest is sustainable timber production, the lack of historic tree diversity, shrub and vegetation species may have long-term impacts on forest health.
OSU: Yellowstone wolves influence elk; benefit trees, streams
The study conducted by forestry researchers supports a “trophic cascade” theory of ecological interdependence — extending to plants, animals, food chains and ecological zones.
Birds found to help Colorado ponderosa pine trees grow, maintain health
Foraging birds such as the mountain chickadee, red-breasted nuthatch, pygmy nuthatch and yellow-rumped warbler can help spur the growth of ponderosa pine trees in the West, according to researchers.
Scientists: Salvage logging following a forest fire hinders recovery, restoration
Scientists expressed concerns about salvage logging following fires, which may slow the natural recovery of forests, streams and wildlife.
Colorado study: Declining Rocky Mountain snowpack slows CO2 emissions from winter forest soils
Decreased Rocky Mountain snowpack has slowed the winter release of heat-trapping CO2 gases from forest soils into the atmosphere, according to scientists.
Wildfire flash points focus of interactive map effort
Researchers analyzed and combined existing demographic census and satellite vegetation data to create a map of communities at risk of wildfire threats.