LODGEPOLE-PINE FORESTS OF BOULDER PARK 



269 



mann spruces, doubtless 250 years old, are found in wet soil close 

 to the creek. 



The vegetation of the forest floor consists only of a few species 

 which are mostly shrubs. The absence of flowering herbs is prob- 

 ably due to the lack of sunlight and to the shortness of the growing 

 season. The spring snows often remain on the ground until the 

 middle of June. The blueberry, rose and kinnikinic form dense mats, 

 junipers occur at the bases of trees, wild strawberry and Oregon 

 grape are found here and there. The pine drop, Pterospora andromeda 

 Nutt., is not infrequent. 



TABLE I 



Some Observations as to Height, Diameter and Age of 

 LoDGEPOLE Pines 



The Open Formation. — In the open formation as seen on the 

 north-facing slope, the trees are farther apart and not as large as 

 those along Jenny Creek. Here and there in depressions there 

 are aspen groves. The slope is steep, varying from eight to thirteen 

 degrees. Small growth consists almost entirely of young lodgepoles. 

 The larger trees are not more than six inches in diameter and are 

 about 38 years old. Thus, this part of the forest is not as old as the 

 one before described. Since more light can reach the forest floor, 

 the vegetation is more abundant. 



