Multiple factors affect aspen regeneration on the Uncompahgre Plateau, west-central Colorado

In 1996, I inventoried over 90 aspen stands in 12 timber sales that had bee n clearcut >3 years previously. Units that regenerated adequately were larg er, had higher slope angles, and had soils with a thick Mollic surface laye r. Units that regenerated inadequately often had plant species that indicat ed high water tables. The factors associated with inadequate regeneration w ere high water tables, heavy browsing, soils with a thin Mollic surface lay er, and logging practices that compact large portions of the unit. One of t hese factors alone often does. not lead to inadequate aspen sprouting. Most often, inadequately regenerated aspen stands have two or more negative fac tors, so the factors act as cumulative stressors on aspen. It is important for managers to know soils, landforms, history, and behavior of animal popu lations in the area.