Microsite selection improves post-fire restoration of singleleaf pinyon pine in the Pine Nut Mtns

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Of all seedlings, 28% survived the first year after planting, and we found that microsite, topographic position, and elevation strongly impacted seedling survival. Survival probability increased with elevation. Seedlings planted under shrubs and grasses/forbs had much higher survival (35% and 40%, respectively) than those planted in open interspaces (10%). We identified an important interaction between canopy cover and topographic position, where the benefits of shade were most pronounced on ridgelines but diminished in valleys.