Topic 6.2: Montane Forests

Even where slopes are moderate, forest conditions and silvicultural options change with increasing elevation due to fundamental biophysical changes.  These changes are due in part to decreasing temperatures with increasing elevation.  Orographic rainfall, cloud cover, and the incidence of fog and mist also often increase with elevation.  At higher elevations these factors together tend to decrease primary productivity and slow rates of organic matter decomposition.  With increasing soil organic matter and moisture contents, the guidelines recommended for managing swamp forests and forests on oligotrophic (i.e., nutrient poor) sites should be followed, especially on slopes.  At particularly high elevations, frost damage is possible, especially in canopy gaps and other clearings.