Use of forest ecosystem process measurements in an integrated environmental monitoring program in the Wind River Range, Wyoming

Three forest ecosystem processes—conifer needle reten-tion, canopy litterfall, and litter decomposition—weremeasured as part of an integrated environmental monitor-ing program at a high-elevation site dominated by white-bark pine (Pinus albicaulis) and Engelmann spruce (Picea.engelmannii). Whitebark pine demonstrated much lowerneedle retention rates and slightly slower decompositionrates relative to Engelmann spruce. Studies to date reflectlow productivity at this site and will provide baseline dataagainst which future monitoring data may be compared.