Age and size data on over 2200 trees were used to reconstruct developmental.patterns and regeneration dynamics of four successional and two climax stands of subalpine forests in the Colorado Front Range. The dominant tree species of these forests are Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), limber pine (Pinusflexilis), and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Due to relatively weak relationships between age and size for all four species, patterns of stand development could not have been reliably inferred from size data alone. Following wildfire on the most xeric sites, limber pine is the principal pioneer species and dominates seedling establishment for 50 to 100 or more years. At most sites, however, Engelmann [...]
