Structure and composition of the Wind River Forest Dynamics Plot (WFDP).

<p>Four images from different parts of the WFDP illustrate defining characteristics of the ecosystem. The forest is composed of an overstory of large-diameter trees with abundant but heterogeneous woody low shrub and herbaceous layers. Vegetation communities include <i>Tsuga heterophylla/Mahonia nervosa</i> (upper left image, August 19, 2012), and <i>Tsuga heterophylla/Mahonia nervosa/Gaultheria shallon</i> (upper right image, May 8, 2010). Regeneration by the shade-tolerant <i>Tsuga heterophylla</i> can be locally dense (lower right image, August 31, 2012). The most abundant species by stems, <i>Acer circinatum</i>, creates a seasonal sub-canopy layer (lower left image, May 8, 2010). All photos by J. A. Lutz.