Stand Structure in Subalpine Forests of Yosemite National Park, California

Publisher： Society of American Foresters

ISSN： 0015-749X

Source： Forest Science, Vol.34, Iss.4, 1988-12, pp. : 1047-1058

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Abstract

Variation of seedling densities and diameter-class distributions with site condition is examined for 5 coniferous tree species sampled in 30 stands between 2400 and 3300 m elevation in Yosemite Park, California. There is an apparent tolerance ranking from mountain hemlock and red fir (high tolerance) through lodgepole pine (intermediate) to whitebark and western white pine (low tolerance). Diameter curves for each species vary in form across environmental gradients, from stable, persistent forms (reverse-J and multimodal) on optimal sites to random forms on marginal sites. Multimodal diameter structure is common among populations in Sierran subalpine forests. In this climatically rigorous setting, interannual variability of conditions affecting seedling survival and growth rates may combine with canopy gap dynamics to yield stable diameter curves punctuated by discrete episodes of establishment, release and growth. For. Sci. 34(4):1047-1058.