Lodgepole Pine Forests

Ecology: Pure and nearly pure stands of lodgepole pine are found throughout central and eastern Oregon. Lodgepole pine is a pioneer species that rapidly colonizes disturbed sites and often gives way to more shade-tolerant species like ponderosa pine. Most lodgepole pine stands develop after fire or logging; however, they may form climax forests on sites with deep pumice and volcanic ash.

Lodgepole pine forests grow in dense stands with lots of dead trees. They are very susceptible to insect attacks, especially mountain pine beetles, and are frequently in danger from fire.

Climate: Lodgepole pine is an adaptable species that often flourishes where other trees cannot. Lodgepole forests are found in climates with short, dry summers and snowy winters. They commonly occur in frost pockets and on both excessively wet and dry soils.

Management: These forests are typically harvested via clearcutting, shelterwood, and seed tree methods that encourage the growth of more valuable ponderosa pine.

FORESTS HOME Douglas-fir forests western hemlock/Sitka spruce forests urban forests
Siskiyou mixed conifer forests coast redwood forests hardwood forests ponderosa pine forests
lodgepole pine forests subalpine forests western larch forests western juniper forests