A hierarchical analysis of stand structure, composition, and burn patterns as indicators of stand age in an Engelmann spruce - Subalpine fir forest

Abstract

We studied the relationship between observed fire effects and stand age in a recently burned subalpine Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Parry ex. Engelm.) - subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) forest in New Mexico. We installed a network of variable-radius plots to assess stand structure, and cored 379 trees to measure the spatial patterns of the stand ages with respect to fire boundaries. We found that pre-fire stand age and stand mortality were not significantly related at either of two spatial scales (p ≤ 0.33 and p < 0.26). We also found that stand structure and stand composition were poor indicators of stand age. The random effects terms of a linear mixed-effects model rev..