Aspen is a highly valued tree species in western forests, but it has been declining due to drought, herbivory, and fire suppression. Fire suppression has contributed to aspen’s decline because post-fire environments provide more opportunities for aspen to regenerate, both by resprouting and by seed. Regeneration from seed in these post-fire settings is particularly valuable because it increases aspen population genetic diversity and resilience. However, natural seeding events are not common, and mortality rates for seedlings are quite high. Nursery-grown seedlings provide a promising alternative and an opportunity for assisted migration, but planting protocols have not been well developed and mortality rates for these seedlings can also be high.
The goal of this project is to better understand how planting site choices can improve seedling survival, and this proposed project extension will allow for the team to continue observing seedling mortality patterns for another year, and to assess temperature and soil moisture differences between seedling microsites, including near burned logs or snags (dead trees). Results from this project will contribute to the development of improved planting protocols for aspen seedlings in post-burn environments. Since aspen are less flammable than conifers, have strong root systems that hold soil in place, and provide valuable wildlife habitat, successful plantings of this species could be an important climate adaptation solution.
