"Patterns of lodgepole pine encroachment into subalpine meadows of the central Sierra Neavada" by Dr. Kaitlin Lubetkin, University of California, Merced

Meadows of the Sierra Nevada play important roles in terms of hydrology, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration, yet many are threatened by woody plant encroachment. In order to characterize patterns of lodgepole pine encroachment into high elevation meadows, we conducted field surveys at a landscape scale in the central Sierra Nevada. This allowed us to determine the extent of encroachment across the landscape and to identify meadows that are susceptible to encroachment, to examine demography and identify key life stages limiting encroachment, and to consider the effects of microsite conditions on young seedlings. Climate appears to be a driving factor of encroachment, making it important to examine potential effects of climate change on rates of encroachment and subsequent loss of meadow functionality.

The Forum will take place Tuesday, December 8, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm in the Yosemite Valley Auditorium.