Are Wolves Saving Yellowstone’s Aspen Trees from Elk?

[Brentster7189]

As if Defenders of Wildlife, etc. aren't causing enough issues. Now we have to worry about saving trees too.

http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2577

 

[Ben Lamb]

the theory behind trophic cascades is fairly sound, although the real impacts aren't known. It's just a variation of keeping ungulates off of riparian areas. Interesting that the data isn't backing up the claims though. Keep the critters off the river bottoms long enough and the willows should come back. The data that's used for touting trophic cascades is based off of historic willow growth and decline over a 100 year period. To think that wolves would correct the loss of willows in 15 years is rather far fetched, especially since the Northern herd just now (last 3 years or so) has come down to or below objective.

Cottonwood is a different deal though. You need those spring flood events to get the cottonwood regen that you need. Big water means good habitat, especially if you can let the seedlings grow. It's never as simple as either extreme make it out to be.