Signs of autumn fading?

MONTROSE — By this time of year, many Coloradans are anxiously awaiting the coming of autumn and the vibrant changes in scenery.

But Forest Service officials from the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests warn that the golden shades of yellow leaves that are so highly anticipated may not be abundant this year.

Something known as Sudden Aspen Decline has made its way to the Western Slope, threatening Colorado’s well known tree. Tree disease and beetle infestations have been causing aspens to die off at a faster rate than normal on the GMUG National Forests, as well as the San Juan National Forest

According to Roy Mask, an entomologist for the Forest Health Management department at the Gunnison Service Center, 6000 acres of GMUG land was affected by SAD in 2006.

“That doesn’t sound huge, but when you consider that very little was evident in 2004, that’s the reason for concern,” Mask said.

Severe and widespread drought in past years may be partially to blame for the deterioration of the trees, Mask said. Dry conditions can weaken a tree’s root system, making it more susceptible to disease and the infestation of aspen borers, bark beetles and Cytospera cankor. Since aspen trees grow together in a stand and share an integrated root system, the disease or beetle kill can spread and diminish an entire stand. Mask said this can make it extremely difficult for trees to regenerate.

Carol McKenzie, a forester with the GMUG Forest Service, said research is currently being conducted to better define the cause of SAD, and the likelihood of a root system recovering from a disease or infestation.

In the Rocky Mountain region, aerial surveys are being conducted to detect health problems in the trees.

On a local level, intensive aspen field studies are taking place, which will help the Forest Service move forward and determine the action that needs to be taken to handle the situation. Data taken from 2007 has been collected, and will be processed over the winter, McKenzie said.

Mask said another strategy that is being looked into in terms of battling SAD is age class diversity on certain landscape. Younger aspens can regenerate quicker, so by creating a mix of both young and mature trees, the likelihood of an entire area wiped out greatly decreases.

Mask said that many areas have yet to be affected by SAD, in particular Kebler Pass, which is east of Paonia. But in the areas that have been affected, like Terror Creek and Leroux Creek drainage areas, the deterioration is massive. Mask said the affected areas seem to be concentrated in lower altitude areas.

But vibrant fall colors are not the only negative downfall of SAD. Wildlife, especially the elk and mule deer that greatly depend on aspen trees, could be threatened.

McKenzie said the Forest Service is working with the federal government as well as the state forest service to make sure that the right steps are taken to protect aspens. County commissioners and other local government have also been made aware of the current situation, McKenzie said.

“Primarily, it’s just about getting a better grasp of what’s going on based on the information coming in,” McKenzie said.

Contact Marissa Brunner via e-mail at marissab@montrosepress.com