Sheep Mtn - Fall Glory

An aspen forest in full fall glory at the foot of a recently burned Sheep Mountain along Montana's Rocky Mountain Front.
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Quaking aspens thrive after wildfire and need the periodic clearing of the overstory trees to establish themselves. Historic fire suppression combined with excessive browsing of young aspen by ungulates is considered to be a primary cause of aspen decline in the Northern Rockies. In the absence of natural fire, periodic prescribed burns are implemented to maintain and enhance regeneration in declining aspen stands.