Genetic Analysis of Relic Aspen

This Agreement provides for the transfer of funds from the National Park Service to Colorado Natural Heritage Program/Colorado State University for field sampling and analysis focused on uncovering important genetic information for a relic aspen tree stand located at Bighorn Canyon NRA (BICA). This aspen stand was currently unknown and was discovered during the NPS Vegetation Mapping Project completed by Colorado State University in 2015. Based on the unique location of this aspen stand, the NPS park resource management is interested to further explore this aspen stand genetics and understand if this is a pure aspen stand or a hybrid; if pure, what are the genetic diversity of this stand. Colorado State University located the stand, sampled the aspen stand and drafted a publication report on this aspen stand with some preliminary information in 2016.