Aspen mortality in Rocky Mountain campgrounds

Aspens die from canker disease infections as a result of mechanical injuries to the live bark inflicted by thoughtless campers. Dead trees usually are cut to reduce camper hazard. Aspen loss is related to campground age. A desirable aspen-type camp unit can be degraded to a treeless site of grass, forbs, and shrubs within 10 to 20 years. The management of aspen campgrounds must be altered if the resource is to be maintained