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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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FRASER |
 © Photo: Robert Stottlemyer |
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| General Description |
Fraser Biosphere Reserve and Experimental Forest is situated on the west side of the Continental Divide in north-central Colorado and encompasses the entire watershed of Main St. Louis Creek, a tributary of the Fraser River. The Fraser Experimental Forest was established in 1937 as an outdoor research laboratory to study timber, water, wildlife management, and their integration in the high elevation subalpine coniferous forests. It is one of few sites in the Rocky Mountains that maintains long-term records on hydrology, climate, forest structure and growth, and responses to forest management. Fraser Biosphere Reserve includes subalpine forests and alpine tundra typical of the central Rocky Mountains. In the forested areas below the timberline, Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) are predominant trees, at higher elevations, on north slopes, and along streams. Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) is the predominant tree at lower elevations and on drier upper slopes. The majority of the forest was initiated after a fire in 1685. Pockets of older trees exist in draws and at higher elevations. Apart from past logging activities, human impacts in the area stem from cattle and sheep grazing and recreational use. |
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| Major ecosystem type | Mixed mountain and highland systems | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | Populus tremuloides/Carex geyeri habitat at lower elevations of the forest where there has been some disturbance; mixed Picea engelmannii/Abies lasiocarpa forest; Abies lasiocarpa/Vaccinium scoparium habitat; Abies lasiocarpa/Senecio triangularis habitat; Abies lasiocarpa/Calamagrostis canadensis habitat; streams and wet areas | |||
| Location | 39°54'N; 105°53'W | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 9,328 | |||
| Core area(s) | ||||
| Buffer zone(s) | ||||
| Transition area(s) when given | ||||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | +2,660 to +3,904 | |||
| Year designated | 1976 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Fraser Experimental Forest Rocky Mountain Research Station U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service | |||
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| Brief description |
Water quality Snow hydrology Nutrient cycling Animal habitat |
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| Specific variables... | ||||
| Abiotic | Habitat, hydrology, nutrients. | |||
| Biodiversity | n.a. | |||
| Socio-economic | n.a. | |||
| Integrated monitoring | n.a. | |||
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| Contact address |
H. T. Mowrer Rocky Mountain Research Station 240 West Prospect St. 80526 Fort Collins, Colorado United States of America |
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| Telephone | (1.970) 498 1255 (station) (1.970) 498 1010 (office) |
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| Fax | (1.970) 498 1010 | |||
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tmowrer@fs.fed.us |
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| Contact address |
M. G. Ryan Rocky Mountain Research Station 240 West Prospect St. 80526 Fort Collins, Colorado United States of America |
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| Telephone | (1.970) 498 1012 (station) (1.970) 498 1010 (office) |
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| Fax | (1.970) 498 1010 | |||
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mgryan@fs.fed.us |
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| Last updated: 29/01/2002 |
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