Friends of Northern Arizona Forest's Aspen Program
The Coconino National Forest contains approximately 50 aspen “exclosures:” areas fenced to exclude elk, deer, and livestock. The locations range from the Hochderffer Hills (just north of the San Francisco Peaks) to five miles south of Mormon Lake. Experience has shown that the fences around young aspen need to be maintained for 20 to 30 years. If the fences are removed any sooner—or are allowed to deteriorate—the elk, deer, and livestock make short work of the young aspen. The Forest Service is also starting a project to restore aspen on some 3200 acres in the Hart Prairie area (immediately west of the San Francisco Peaks). You can join work parties that cut out trees that have fallen on fences and repair fences that have been damaged or deliberately cut (by the irresponsible). You can build new fences or rebuild existing fences to endure for the 20 to 30 years that are now recognized as the necessary time span. You can post signs and monitor exclosures periodically. There’s a way to help for persons of all abilities and strengths. For details about the next aspen workday, go to the Calendar of Events page. To participate or for more information, contact Friends of Northern Arizona Forests member Dave Downes. Phone: 928-522-9207 Email: downes@haas.berkeley.edu If you cannot reach Dave, direct your questions to Patty Ringle, Silviculturist with the Coconino National Forest. Phone: 928-257-8285. Email: pringle@fs.fed.us, or Justin Loxley, Volunteer Coordinator for the Forest Service. Phone: 928-527-8213. Email: jdloxley@fs.fed.us
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After fire, disease, or insects have killed the visible
trees, aspen clones sprout from their massive root systems. To
survive and grow to maturity, the seedlings and saplings need
protection from browsing by elk, deer, and livestock.