Past Event: Summer Field Position Available in Colorado Studying Stand Dynamics and Carbon Storage in Aspen Exclosures

YSE is seeking field crew members for summer 2025 to assist our team in collecting data to investigate the forest stand dynamics and carbon storage benefits of using large exclosures built from logging residue (slash) to protect regenerating aspen from browsing by elk and mule deer. This topic is important because the decline of aspen in western forests has been a major concern over the past decades. Land managers in Colorado have introduced an innovative forestry practice that uses slash to create large exclosures (~8–30 acres) to reduce wildlife browsing to promote aspen regeneration. Managers hope that this practice could be used across the West after logging to encourage aspen recovery and store carbon. This study will provide the information needed to evaluate the efficacy of aspen exclosures.

The ranch is in the San Luis Valley in south-central Colorado, a remote, rural area that is 2.5 hours southwest of Colorado Springs and within 40 minutes of Alamosa, Colorado. The elevation ranges from 7,500-14,000 feet above sea level, and the valley floor receives an average annual precipitation of 7-10 inches.

• $240 per day ($1,200 per week) for up to 10 weeks. This amount covers travel to Colorado and includes a stipend.

• Shared housing close to the field site and transportation to and from field sites will be provided and paid for by the project.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Details here