Range plant community types and carrying capacity for the subalpine and alpine subregions : third approximation /

Abstract

This guide was developed for the Rocky Mountain alpine & sub-alpine vegetation zones in order to provide a framework that will easily group the vegetative community types. The resulting classification system is intended for use by field staff to assess the ecology of sites and develop management prescriptions on lands within each region. The guide represents analysis of 651 grass & shrubland plots in the sub-alpine sub-region and 134 plots in the alpine sub-region. The dominant plant species, canopy cover, environmental conditions, response to grazing, forage production, and carrying capacity are outlined for each community type identified.