Trembling Aspens

Findings from research focusing on aspen forests indicate a possible shift in the distribution of this important species may already be underway. Before 1988, aspen regeneration was understood to occur primarily via vegetative root sprouting. Aspen seedlings, rarely documented prior to the fires, were observed in 1988 burn areas, including areas where aspen had not been present before the fires, often many kilometers from pre-fire aspen stands. Aspen seedlings have persisted in many areas, and in some instances expanded into higher elevations since 1988. By comparing documentation of aspen regeneration before and after the 1988 fires, experts found evidence suggesting that the sexual reproduction of aspen in the Rocky Mountains occurs primarily after large severe fires.