Laserfiche WebLink
Gambel oak (Quercus gambehi) dominate drier ridge slopes. Where the community occurs in <br />larger meadows and along drainages, it is more of a mixed shrub community composed of a wide <br />variety of shrub species. This is a reflection of more mesic site conditions and wetter soil <br />moisture regimes. The dominant shrub species is Gambel oak. Other shrubs which can be co- or <br />sub-dominant depending upon growing conditions include serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia). <br />This habitat type is important to wintering wildlife, especially big game. However, in this area <br />much of this habitat type is over mature or decadent and does not provide higher quality winter <br />range. Its potential for winter use is further reduced as snow depth increases. <br />Occurring across the project area over a variety of elevations and aspects is the Aspen Vegetation <br />Type (Picture 2). This type inhabits less steep slopes overall than the other tree-dominated <br />vegetation types on site, though its presence on somewhat steeper slopes under the proper soil <br />conditions is not uncommon. Much of the aspen is found as stringers in drainages with larger <br />stands limited to higher elevations in the area. It intergrades with most of the other vegetation <br />Picture 2 - Taken looking through an aspen stand. <br />Note the lack of understory availability due to deep snow. <br />6 <br />