Aspen Restoration Field Trip
Butler Fork, Big Cottonwood Canyon
July 11, 2009
We divided into 5 teams of 3 people and took transect measurements to gauge the size and distributon of aspen that have not been grazed by domestic livestock
Our intrepid team gathers for the hike up Butler Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon east of Salt Lake City
Mary O'Brien, PhD, (left) from the Grand Canyon Trust gives instructions on aspen transect measurement
Mr. Hamblin supervising
Volunteer Bob Johansen counting and assessing aspen on a transect on a steep slope
Mary O'Brien of the Grand Canyon Trust, Kevin Mueller of the Utah Environmental Congress, and Amy O'Connor of the Wild Utah Project talk aspen
The Hamblin family take on an aspen transect
UEC Board member Chad Hamblin records aspen data
Pink Cliffs and Peregrines Joint Field Trip with HawkWatch International
to Dixie National Forest July 17-19, 2009
We watched for raptors as we explored areas proposed for logging. The bird density was especially high in areas that have not been impacted by logging. The mixed forest included Bristlecone Pines.
Jen Hajj of HawkWatch International in a contemplative moment as we pause for lunch on the rim of the Pink Cliffs
UEC staff Kevin Mueller and Charles Keller
Allene Keller and Kevin Mueller pass a cool old Bristlecone Pine
A Peregrine Falcon at sunset
Bristlecone Pine
Down and standing dead trees are very important wildlife habitat and source of food.
As they decay, dead trees return nutrients to the soil. "Salvage logging" robs the forest of nutrients.
USU geologist Blair Larsen enjoys the Pink Cliffs
UEC Membership Coordinator Bob Brister and office dog Zuni
at a Bristlecone Pine on the Virgin River Rim Trail
A lovely Sego Lily by the trail