Historic Expansion of Western Juniper on Near-Relict Sites: A Dendroecological Approach

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The research will explain the processes and controls on expansion of western juniper in the interior West. Tree-ring information, air photo interpretation, and field reconnaissance will be used to compare changes in western juniper establishment, cover, density, and growth rates on both semi-relict and nearby disturbed sites over a wide range of environmental settings. Expansion processes will be related to changes in climate, land use, and increased levels of atmospheric CO2. The study will record century-scale environmental changes within the western juniper community and will provide insight into how land-use history and climate change can influence biotic systems. Management decision regarding range lands in the Pacific Northwest will be informed by the results of this research.