Coniferous forest habitat types of northern Utah

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A habitat type classification is presented for the coniferous forests of northern Utah and adjacent areas of Idaho and Wyoming. The classification and descriptions are based on data from about 1,100 sample stands covering 6 years of reconnaissance sampling. The habitat type concept, a hierarchical system of land classification, is based on potential natural vegetation of forest sites. A total of 8 climax series, 36 habitat types, and 24 phases of habitat types were identified. A diagnostic key is provided for field identification of the habitat types based on the indicator species used in the development of the classification. In addition to a site classification, mature coniferous forest communities are described and tables provided to portray ecological distributions of all species. Potential productivity for timber, physical site characteristics, climatic characteristics, and surface soil characteristics are also described for each type. Preliminary implications affecting natural resource management and general successional dynamics for both tree and undergrowth species are discussed.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Ecology