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Post-1935 changes in forest vegetation of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA: Part 2 - mixed conifer, spruce-fir, and quaking aspen forests

John L. Vankat


Summary - what did the authors do and why?

The author resampled vegetation study plots originally sampled in Grand Canyon National Park in 1935 to document changes in forest structure and composition.

Publication findings:

The author found a decrease in aspen density from 1935 to 2004 which is attributable to fire exclusion and herbivory. For mixed-conifer, spruce-fir and ponderosa pine in Grand Canyon National Park, densities have increased due to fire exclusion.

Fire and Ecosystem Effects Linkages

The author found a decrease in aspen density from 1935 to 2004 which is attributable to fire exclusion and herbivory. For mixed-conifer, spruce-fir and ponderosa pine in Grand Canyon National Park, densities have increased due to fire exclusion.