Fishlake National Forest Pando Clone

Summary

The Pando Clone, a 106-acre aspen stand on Fishlake, is recognized as the world's largest living organism by DNA testing, with an estimated 50,000 trees. However, it faces a regeneration crisis, with old trees dying and no new growth. Scientists hypothesize that herbivory, age, and fungal infections may be factors. To combat this, the area has been partially fenced to prevent browsing by cattle and deer, and various treatments including prescribed burns and selective cutting are being tested to stimulate regeneration. As a keystone species, aspen stands like Pando are crucial for biodiversity and watershed health, prompting efforts to understand and preserve them for future generations.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The Pando Clone is an aspen stand located on the Fishlake, spanning 106 acres with an estimated 50,000 trees, making it one of the largest living organisms based on DNA testing.
• 🚗 People often drive through the Pando Clone without realizing its significance as the largest living organism of its kind.
• 📊 The Pando Clone is facing a regeneration issue, with the older trees dying and not being replaced by new growth, which is atypical for aspen stands.
• 🔬 Scientists hypothesize that the Pando Clone could be over eighty thousand years old, indicating its ancient origins.
• 🌱 Aspen stands typically regenerate on their own, but the Pando Clone is not showing this natural process, raising concerns about its root systems' ability to produce new growth.
• 🐃 The study suggests that herbivory, such as browsing by cattle and deer, may be inhibiting the growth of new aspen trees in the Pando Clone.
• 🦠 There are concerns that fungal infections and diseases, like shepherd's crook caused by a fungus, are affecting the regeneration of the Pando Clone.
• 🔥 Management strategies include prescribed burns and removal of juniper to reduce competition and promote regeneration of the aspen stand.
• 🏵 The Pando Clone is considered a keystone species, providing high biodiversity and productivity, important for the landscape and watersheds.
• 🛡️ Fencing off portions of the Pando Clone is an attempt to control the browsing issue and study its impact on regeneration.
• 🌐 The goal of the Forest Service is to maintain and preserve the Pando Clone for future generations, emphasizing the importance of sustainable land management.

Q & A

What is the Pando Clone?

The Pando Clone is an aspen stand located on the Fishlake, covering 106 acres with an estimated 50,000 trees, and is considered the largest living organism in the world that has been DNA tested.

Why is the Pando Clone significant?

The Pando Clone is significant because it is believed to be the world's largest living organism based on DNA testing, and it is named after the Latin word 'Pando', which means 'I spread'.

What is the main problem with the Pando Clone?

The main problem with the Pando Clone is the lack of regeneration to replace the parts that are dying, which is a concern from a Forest Service perspective.

Why is regeneration important for the Pando Clone?

Regeneration is important because it allows the aspen stand to replace old trees that die, maintaining the health and continuity of the stand.

How old is the Pando Clone estimated to be?

The Pando Clone is estimated to be upwards of eighty thousand years old, although this is a guess and indicates the stand's great age.

What is the role of herbivory in the Pando Clone's regeneration issue?

Herbivory, such as browsing by cattle and deer, is theorized to be a factor in the lack of regeneration, as these animals may be consuming the new growth before it can mature.

What measures have been taken to address the browsing issue?

Approximately 90 acres of the Pando Clone have been fenced off to remove the browsing issue by cattle and deer, allowing for a study of the impact of these grazers on regeneration.

What other factors could be affecting the Pando Clone's regeneration?

Other factors include the clone's advanced age potentially lacking energy reserves to send up new growth, the presence of fungus causing issues, and competition from common juniper.

What treatments are being used to promote regeneration in the Pando Clone?

Three treatments are being used: prescribed burns, removal of juniper, and selective cutting to remove some of the overstory, all aimed at promoting succoring and regeneration.

Why are aspens considered a keystone species on the landscape?

Aspen stands are considered keystone species because they are highly productive, support high diversity in plant and animal life, and are important to watersheds.

What is the goal of the Forest Service regarding the Pando Clone?

The goal of the Forest Service is to maintain the Pando Clone for future generations, understanding its functions, and addressing the problems it is facing to ensure its sustainability.