Compositional similarity within the oakbrush type in central and northern Utah

Indices of similarity were used to evaluate the similarity of oakbrush stands throughout the Uinta National Forest and to compare oak communities in central and northern Utah. Results show that Gambel oak stands in central Utah differ significantly among themselves in respect to quantitative aspects of the vegetation. Those differences can be correlated with elevation, slope exposure, and fire history. Nevertheless, there is currently inadequate justification for recognizing more than one habitat type for the species in the study area. There is a need to develop a model capable of predicting growth rate of oak on specific sites.