Field Survey of Growth and Colonization of Nonnative Trees on Mainland Alaska

Book excerpt: Six of nine nonnative boreal conifers in three genera (¿Abies,¿ ¿Larix,¿ & `Pinus¿) regenerated in 11-31 years after they were introduced to mainland Alaska. Lodegole pine & the Siberian larches were the most widely introduced species. Siberian larch grew up to 6 times more stem vol. than white spruce in the first 40 years on upland sites. Lodgepole pine grew more stem wood than white spruce for 35 years after planting. Snowshoe hares & moose were the most serious pests of these conifers. Growth & age relationships were negative for all sampled conifers & positive for native white spruce. The introduction & naturalization of noninvasive tree species may improve the diversity, stability, & productivity of managed forest ecosystems. Illustrations.