Data presented here appear to confirm an aspen decline, but do not suggest a level of decline. Baker et al. The already-limited extent of aspen in Rocky Mountain forests may be declining. High populations of elk may also preventing natural regeneration of aspen clones in some cases. The actual picture of aspen forests across the Rockies is highly variable, and the presence of conifers and elk in aspen stands may or may not indicate a progressive loss of aspen.
Aspen forests are stable or increasing in some areas.
Our choices about land management activities in the coming decades will determine the extent of aspen forests for the next century.