Establishment and Survival of Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa) in Meadows of Olympic National Park, Washington

A 27-year study on subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) establishment and survival in Olympic National Park's meadows reveals critical insights into climate change impacts. The research, conducted on south-facing tall sedge communities—unlike the more commonly studied north-facing heath-shrub types—found that sapling mortality was highest during early stages, stabilizing after a decade. Weather conditions, particularly high temperatures and drought, directly influenced seedling mortality during germination and establishment, while established sapling survival depended indirectly on weather via growth effects. Growth rates were enhanced by longer growing seasons and warmer minimum temperatures, with slow-growing saplings showing higher mortality risk. Most survivors thrived in lichen (Trapeliopsis granulosa) and Vaccinium deliciosum communities. The study highlights that while microsite conditions like snow depth matter, landscape position—such as north versus south aspect—plays a dominant role in determining meadow resilience to climate warming.

Woodward, A., & Soll, J. A. (2021). Establishment and Survival of Subalpine Fir (Abies lasiocarpa) in Meadows of Olympic National Park, Washington. Northwest Science, 94(3-4). https://doi.org/10.3955/046.094.0304