Natural Range of Variation (NRV) in the montane conifer forests of southern California

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We conducted a natural range of variation (NRV) assessment of montane conifer forests in the Transverse and Peninsular Mountain Ranges of southern California. Using current and historical literature and data, we present a quantitative analysis of forest function, structure, composition, and ecological processes prior to Euro-American settlement and compare those elements to the forests of today. We highlight how grazing, logging and fire suppression have altered natural fire regimes and examine how departure from NRV conditions may inform forest management in the era of climate change.