REPRODUCTION OF LODGEPOLE PINE IN RELATION 

 TO ITS MANAGEMENT. 



By Nelson C. Brown. 



The region from which the data for this paper have been drawn, 

 is southwestern Montana where Lodgepole Pine is probably the 

 most vakiable and important tree as well as the most common one. 

 This is one of the most rapidly developing and potentially pro- 

 ductive regions from both a mineral and agricultural standpoint, 

 in the Northwest. It is therefore an important question which 

 timber will grow best and most rapidly to supply the great coming 

 needs of the industries in this region. The data secured in this 

 study were taken chiefly from the Gallatin, Absaroka, and Madi- 

 son National Forests, but the field of observation also includes the 

 Helena, Deerlodge, Beaverhead, and Jefiferson National Forests. 

 This is in the heart of the so-called northern Lodgepole Pine 

 region and the characteristics of the types in regard to growth, 

 density and associated species will vary somewhat from those in 

 the southern part of the Lodgepole Pine region. 



The elevation of the National Forests covered in this study, 

 ranges from about 4,500 up to 11,000. A distinct gradation of 

 types seems to occur, closely related to elevation : On the lower 

 elevations, along lower slopes, and streams, occurs the Douglas 

 Fir, (Pseudotsuga taxifolia) in a somewhat narrow belt. Above 

 this comes a broad belt of Lodgepole Pine growing principally 

 pure. Above this type and growing along streams or along see- 

 page lines where sufficient moisture is afforded, occurs the Engel- 

 mann Spruce. Still above this species and growing up to the 

 timber line, at 9,000 to 9,500 feet, occurs the Alpine Fir (Abies 

 lasiocarpa) and Limber Pine (Pinus flexilis) . Between the Doug- 

 las Fir and the Lodgepole Pine types, there is a distinct tran- 

 sitional meeting ground where the two grow in admixture and 

 where there seems to be a strong competition as to which will 

 occupy the soil. It is here that the mixed Douglas Fir type occurs. 

 For the purpose of estimating and taking silvicultural obser- 

 vations five types were differentiated, namely, pure Lodgepole 

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