Recent Tree Invasion of Subalpine Meadows in the Wind River Mountains, Wyoming

Abstract

A dendrochronological investigation of 347 seedlings and saplings from a stand of trees invading a subalpine meadow in the Wind River Mountains of western Wyoming provided the basis for this study. Growth rates of these trees were found to increase as their distance from the forest edge increased; this pattern was shown to continue with meadow trees throughout their lives. The evidence suggests that the factors which maintain the meadows in this area primarily limit tree establishment rather than growth. Invasion be