Coram Experimental Forest | Northern Rockies Fire Science Network

The Coram Experimental Forest (CEF) was established in 1933 on the Flathead National Forest in northwestern Montana. This forest represents the western larch (Larix occidentalis) forest type occurring in the upper Columbia River basin. Western larch trees regenerate best on exposed soil and full sun sites that are typical after fires or similar disturbances. Conservation of the western larch forest type is a priority for area land managers.

Ecology

Although there are six forest types represented on the CEF, the majority of the forest is covered by western larch and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), but Engelmann spruce/subalpine fir (Picea engelmannii/Abies lasiocarpa) forests occur on cool, moist sites at all but the lowest elevations.

Documents

2018 Negligible impacts of biomass removal on Douglas-fir growth 29 years after outplanting in the northern Rocky Mountains Woongsoon Jang et al.
2016 Recovery and diversity of the forest shrub community 38 years after biomass harvesting in the northern Rocky Mountains Woongsoon Jang et al.
2016 Long-term soil changes from forest harvesting and residue management in the northern Rocky Mountains Woongsoon Jang et al.
2015 Long-term effects on distribution of forest biomass following different harvesting levels in the Northern Rocky Mountains Woongsoon Jang et al.
2012 Experimental forests and climate change: views of long-term employees on ecological change and the role of Experimental Forests and Ranges in understanding and adapting to climate change Laurie Yung et al.
2008 Surface fuel litterfall and decomposition in the Northern Rocky Mountains, U.S.A. Robert E. Keane
2003 Establishment and growth of conifer regeneration following harvest and residue treatments in a western larch-Douglas-fir forest Sarah Jane Pierce
1999 Natural regeneration after harvest and residue treatment in a mixed-conifer forest of northwestern Montana Raymond C. Shearer et al.
1997 Vegetation structure in old-growth stands in the Coram Research Natural Area in northwestern Montana Caryl L. Elzinga et al.
1986 Site treatments influence development of a young mixed-species western larch stand Dennis M. Cole et al.
1981 Effects of prescribed fire on soil nitrogen levels in a cutover Douglas-fir/western larch forest Martin F. Jurgensen et al.
1980 Forest fire history in the Northern Rockies Stephen F. Arno
1980 Influence of harvesting and residues on fuels and fire management James K. Brown
1980 Effects of fire on nitrogen in forest floor horizons G. D. Mroz et al.
1980 Fire history of a western larch/Douglas-fir forest type in northwestern Montana Kathleen M. Davis
1978 Effects of burning moist fuels on seedbed preparation in cutover western larch forests Donald K. Artley et al.
1977 The fire history of Coram Experimental Forest Kathy M. Sneck
1969 Seedbed treatments influence seedling development in western larch forests Wyman C. Schmidt

Visit the Coram Experimental Forest website

Past Events

Jun 28, 2016
Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change