The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Fraser
General Description
Fraser Biosphere Reserve and
Experimental Forest is situated on the west side of the Continental Divide in
north-central Colorado and encompasses the entire watershed of Main St. Louis
Creek, a tributary of the Fraser River. The Fraser Experimental Forest was
established in 1937 as an outdoor research laboratory to study timber, water,
wildlife management, and their integration in the high elevation subalpine
coniferous forests. It is one of few sites in the Rocky Mountains that maintains
long-term records on hydrology, climate, forest structure and growth, and
responses to forest management.
Fraser Biosphere Reserve includes subalpine forests and alpine tundra typical of
the central Rocky Mountains. In the forested areas below the timberline,
Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) are
predominant trees, at higher elevations, on north slopes, and along streams.
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) is the predominant tree at lower
elevations and on drier upper slopes. The majority of the forest was initiated
after a fire in 1685. Pockets of older trees exist in draws and at higher
elevations. Apart from past logging activities, human impacts in the area stem
from cattle and sheep grazing and recreational use.
Last updated: 06/27/2005