Table of Contents

Introduction

Background

Fire and Elevation

The Role of Fire in Mixed-conifer Forest

Methods

Study Area

Field

Fire History

Elevation Transect

Mixed-Conifer Forest

Forest Structure

Laboratory

Fire History

Age Structure

Analysis

Fire History

Period of Analysis

Fire-Climate Associations

Stand Dynamics/Structure in the Mixed-Conifer Forest

Results

Fire and Elevation

Mixed-Conifer Fire History

Fire Spread into High Elevations

Stand and Age Structure

Aspen

Mixed-Conifer Forest

Stand Initiation

Succession

Fire and Climate

Discussion

Fire and Elevation

The Role of Fire in Mixed-Conifer Forest

Fire and Climate

Management Implications and Recommendations

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendix D

Appendix E

TABLE of CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION	1

BACKGROUND	2

Fire and Elevation	2

The Role of Fire in Mixed-Conifer Forest	3

METHODS	4

Study Area	4

Field	5

Fire History	5

Elevation Transect	5

Mixed-Conifer Forest	8

Stand and Age Structure	8

Laboratory	9

Fire History	9

Stand and Age Structure	9

Analysis	10

Fire History	10

Period of Analysis	10

Fire and Climate	10

Stand and Age Structure	10

RESULTS	12

Fire History	12

Elevation Transect	15

Mixed-Conifer Forest	15

Fire Spread into High Elevations	18

Fire and Climate	18

Stand and Age Structure	21

Aspen	21

Mixed-Conifer Forest	21

Stand Initiation	21

Succession	28

DISCUSSION	33

Fire and Elevation	33

Fire and Climate	33

The Role of Fire in Mixed-Conifer Forest	34

MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS and RECOMMENDATIONS	36

LITERATURE CITED	38

Appendix A - Fire History Data: Elevation Transect	41

Appendix B - Fire History Data: Mixed-Conifer Forest	47

Appendix C - Stand/Age Structure Data: Mixed-Conifer Forest	52

Appendix D - Stand/Age Structure Data: Aspen	81