Ecology and Silviculture of the Engelmann Spruce-Alpine Fir Type

The Engelmann spruce-alpine fir type, which extends from the latitude of central British Columbia in Canada almost to Mexico, contrasts in many ways with its eastern counterpart. Although basic silvical characteristics of the type species are similar to those of the eastern species, differences in climate, soil, and associated vegetation require some variations in recommended silvicultural practices. The authors discuss silvicultural systems best adapted to the spruce-fir stands of the Rocky Mountains.