Ecological Characteristics and Control of Gambel Oak

Abstract

Manipulation of Gambel oak for enhanced rangeland values must be in accord with ecological principles to ensure desired success. Failures in controlling Gambel oak have occurred because the growth patterns, morphological characteristics, and carbohydrate storage patterns of the species have not been taken into account. However, recurrent control will continue to be necessary since grass dominated systems should not be considered to be climax in Gambel oak dominated systems. Existing initial and maintenance control methods appear to offer only short-term solutions, which often result in more troublesome long-term management problems.