What environmental conditions correlate with the distribution of Utah juniper populations in Wyoming?
This portion of the project centers on the creation of a correlative, GIS-based model to study the distribution of Juniperus osteosperma in Wyoming. Using 141 J. osteosperma herbarium records, we developed a potential-habitat model based on climatic and edaphic factors. We then queried a GIS database of precipitation, soils, and geology for Wyoming to identify areas fitting the model criteria. Locations of the 141 confirmed Utah juniper collections used in this study (Courtesy of the Rocky Mountain Herbarium, University of Wyoming). Preliminary results indicate that J. osteosperma may not occupy all of its potential habitat in Wyoming (Figure 1 below). Both geology and soils are limiting throughout the state, with J. osteosperma showing a strong affinity for sandstone outcrops and coarse, frigid soils. Annual precipitation has little influence on distribution patterns below 1800 m, but becomes increasingly important at higher elevations. In eastern Wyoming, Utah juniper is excluded fro
