Tree regeneration after fire: Aspen removal experiment, vegetation cover 2000 - 2002

This research was intended to address the general question of whether asexual stem regeneration of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) reduces rates of establishment and growth of potential invading conifer species during the initial years following fire. Interactions between aspen and conifers were studied under natural conditions in a burned aspen stand with a high potential for aspen re-sprouting. The study contributes to our understanding of whether competitive interactions between tree seedlings are likely to help maintain deciduous stands across disturbance cycles by reducing the potential for successful conifer establishment.

Vegetation cover measurements made on July 31, 2000. Data are visual estimates of % cover, made in a 1x1m quadrat centered in each plot. Values are listed by species, with T=trace (<0.5%) and Out=present outside the cover quadrat but inside the plot. A key to the species codes listed in the column headers is found in spcode.txt.