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Author(s):
George E. Gruell
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Effects
Ecological - Second Order
Vegetation
Wildlife
Fire History
Fire & Wildlife
Mammals
Ungulates
Habitat Assessment
Ecosystem(s):
Subalpine wet spruce-fir forest, Subalpine dry spruce-fir forest, Montane wet mixed-conifer forest, Montane dry mixed-conifer forest, Aspen woodland, Riparian woodland/shrubland, Sagebrush steppe, Lower montane/foothills/valley grassland

NRFSN number: 12151
FRAMES RCS number: 14123
Record updated:

The Bridger-Teton National Forest in the Jackson Hole Region of Wyoming has long been recognized for its wildlife resource. Management efforts have emphasized the measurement of forage utilization by elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni) and their effect on summer and winter ranges. Less consideration has been given to other biotic and abiotic influences. Reliable information on long-term habitat condition and trend has also been lacking. In 1968, this study was conceived to fill these information voids and to consider wildlife habitat changes from a historical perspective. Contents provide visual evidence of vegetative succession, range condition, and trend. Many old photographs are included. Because old photographs are difficult to obtain and photo points difficult to relocate, we decided to include them in one compendium I1I. By pulling the photographs together, others can examine them, apply their field experience, and make their own interpretations. The interpretations offered are mostly related to wildlife habitat. This presentation is an invitation to biologists, geologists, botanists, archeologists, and others to "read" these landscapes and learn from the past. It is also intended for use by nonprofessionals interested in the landscape. For those less familiar with ecological terminology, appendix I defines some important terms. Photographs and supporting data have been gleaned from Forest Service files, universities, libraries, archives, historical societies, and other Federal agencies. This historical and ecological information helped identify the important influences that shaped the habitats of Jackson Hole. The report also includes information pertinent to fisheries, forestry, range, geology, soils, hydrology, fire management, and management of scenic quality. Insights are provided into stream channel changes, timber growth, site potentials, plant succession, erosion rates, fire occurrence, and fuel loading. This publication comprises two volumes--volume I acquaints the reader with important historical and ecological relationships and presents the photo record. The photos include 85 matched pairs spanning the period 1872-1975. These are separated into three geographical sections with interpretations and conclusions for each. Volume II, intended for land managers, resource specialists, and the academic community, discusses and summarizes the causes of vegetal and watershed changes. Management implications, including limitations, potentials, and future opportunities, are also explored.

Citation

Gruell, George E. 1980. Fire's influence on wildlife habitat on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming - Volume I: photographic record and analysis. Res. Pap. INT-RP-235. Ogden, UT: USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 202 p.

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