Ponderosa pine is the most fire-resistant tree growing in Utah *(USFS, 1992). In a mixed-stand burn, it has a competitive advantage over other species; however, in the absence of fire, it is often outcompeted by Douglas-fir and white fir. Currently, approximately 18,000 acres of ponderosa pine occur throughout the Upper Sevier Plateau. So in perspective, the loss of 92 acres seems small, and the population of Ponderosa Pine falls within Desired Future Condition (DFC) **(USDAFS, 1998). However, in the absence of periodic fire, Ponderosa stands will become more susceptible to crown replacement fires and larger populations of Ponderosa forests, and the plant and animal communities associated with them, may be lost.

*Bradley, A.F., Noste, N.V., William, C.F. 1992. Fire Ecology of Forests and Woodlands of Utah. U. S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, General Technical Report INT-287.

**USDA Forest Service. 1998. Assessment for Major Vegetation Types Proper Functioning Conditions (PFC/Desired Future Condition (DFC) Utah High Plateaus and Mountains Section Sevier Plateau Sub-section and portions of the Sevier River, Paunsagunt Plateau, and Johns Valley Sub-section, Powell Ranger District, Dixie National Forest.

Northern goshawk are found in old growth Ponderosa Pine forests.