Regardless of its size, once a plant or animal is listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) it has a immense impact on its surrounding environment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have the authority to list species as either endangered or threatened under the ESA. ‘Endangered’ species are considered close to extinction throughout its habitat, and ‘threatened’ species are predicted to become endangered in the near future unless restorative measures are taken . When a rangeland plant or animal species is listed under the ESA, landowners, ranchers, recreationalists and surrounding communities are significantly affected.
For more information, see Endangered Species Act: How it Affects Rangelands
From the boreal forest in the north to central Mexico and from the Pacific Coast to New England, quaking aspen is the most widespread tree species on the continent. Media often trumpets the impending doom of aspen in the American West, yet we can see thriving aspen forests accenting high elevation conifer and meadow landscapes that surround us. How should we resolve the diverging narratives of this regional icon? Why are aspen important to a wide spectrum of natural resource disciplines, not the least of which includes range management?
Groves of "quakies" not only provide valued forage for livestock, they also offer rich biodiversity, water storage capacity, wildlife habitat, recreation and esthetic uses, and protection from fire. It is important for us to understand what is happening to aspen in the West, what factors positively and negatively affect their well-being, and what management steps can be taken to increase ecosystem resilience. As with many complex natural resource issues, restoration of historical impacts, as well as addressing competing modern interests, requires informed participation by a wide contingent of stakeholders.
For more information visit: Aspen Controversy