Forest Fragmentation in the Southern Rocky Mountains

The forests of the southern Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming are part of this region's natural heritage, providing priceless ecological value, essential natural resources, numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, refuge for native biological diversity, and solitude to Americans who want to escape our crowded cities. Forest Fragmentation in the Southern Rocky Mountains aims to educate all those who appreciate these forests, so that they may become proper stewards of this spectacular environment.

The authors address both human and natural factors that lead to forest fragmentation, and they examine the effects these circumstances have on the health of Rocky Mountain forests and on the area's native biodiversity. In addition, Forest Fragmentation in the Southern Rocky Mountains offers a careful assessment of how we can manage forests in the decades to come--ensuring that the rich natural heritage supported by these forests is not compromised--while still using our forests for recreation, solitude, and natural resources.

Richard Knight and Frederick Smith are professors of wildlife conservation and forest ecology, respectively, at Colorado State University.

William Baker and Steve Buskirk are professors of geography and wildlife ecology, respectively, at the University of Wyoming.

William Romme is professor of ecology at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.