Coniferous Forest Habitat Types of the Wind River Mountains, Wyoming

Abstract

The potential vegetation was studied in the Wind River Mountains of northwestern Wyoming. Five coniferous forest habitat types were recognized, and quantitative data for structure of tree popula- tions, cover and constancy of major undergrowth species, soil chemistry and topographic position given for 69 stands of relatively undisturbed vegetation. Although relatively stable vegetation was the principal basis for recognition of the forest habitat types, other site characteristics were considered. The relationships of the habitat types in the Wind River Mountains with other coniferous forests in the Rocky Mountains are discussed.