The Black Hills Aspen : Management Implications from Treatment Results

In the summer of 1984, 154 quaking aspen stands were sampled throughout the Black Hills National Forest in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The purpose of the study was to develop management directions based on existing treatment results. Some examples of treatments are clearcutting, thinning and removing all aspen while leaving various numbers of conifers on the stand. The purpose of treatment is to rejuvenate the aspen stand. Various data were collected and interpreted in two ways. A multivariate analysis was used to correlate numerous independent variables to the dependent variable, aspen regeneration index (feet of regeneration per acre). The selected model explained 54 percent of the variability associated with the regeneration index. Secondly, sites classified separated based on geologic formation and soil genesis. In this classification, 10 aspen groups were defined. A key was developed for managers to delineate aspen groups. Detailed descriptions of each aspen group and specific management recommendations are presented.