Montane Zone
This indicator characterizes the proportion of the Tahoe Region within the montane zone (below 7,000 feet in elevation) dominated by stands of old growth conifers. Old growth forests tend to be more structurally and biologically complex and resilient to natural disturbances (such as wildfire) than younger forests, due to tree spacing and fire resistance of bark on mature trees, especially pines. Soil conditions, aspect, hill slope position, drought frequency, direct sunlight, fire suppression, climate patterns, time, and natural disturbance influence the extent and distribution of large-diameter trees. TRPA and Environmental Improvement Program (EIP) partners have adopted several policies, ordinances and implementing programs designed to promote the conservation and protection of old growth forests.
Status
Estimated acres of conifer stands dominated by trees greater than 25-inches dbh (“old growth” forest stands) in montane elevation zones in the Tahoe Region. Some forest types remain unclassified resulting in the N/A column.
Evaluation Map
Late Seral - Ecobject 2010
2019 Evaluation
- Status
- Considerably Worse Than Target
- Trend
- Little or No Change
- Confidence
- Low
Applicable Standard
VP15: 48 percent of the Montane zone (lower than 7,000 feet elevation) must be in a late seral or old growth condition. The Montane zone will contribute 20 percent (30,600 acres) of forested lands towards VP12.
Key Points
- Late seral growth covers 2.3 percent of the upper montane zone, considerably worse than the standard of 48 percent.
- Attainment of this threshold is expected in the future. In absence of catastrophic wildfire, it is estimated attainment will take about 100 years.