Aspen Regeneration in South-Central

Abstract—The potential for aspen regeneration in conifer stands has been underesti-mated on the Salida Ranger District. Harvest of mature aspen stands on the Salida and San Carlos Districts encouraged regeneration. Following harvest, the Douglas-fir and some Engelmann spruce stands in the Arkansas Hills area regenerated primarily to aspen. Disturbance through aspen harvest, prescribed fire, wildfire, and other ap-proaches is critical to aspen sustainability and health for the San Isabel National Forest. Disturbance must take place to regenerate the aspen component and reduce the conifer invasion