Willow-Moose Relationships in Grand Teton National Park: A Continuing Evaluation

Abstract

Extensive riparian plant communi ties dominated by willow provide important wildlife habitat within and adjacent to Grand Teton National Park. High densities of noose are often associated with these willow comununities. I studied the habitat relationships of the Jackson Hole moose from 1964-69 (Houston, 1968, 1969). Findings suggested that although moose browsing influenced the structure and appearance of preferred willow species, their foraging did not cause progressive deterioration of these plants on major winter ranges. Here I report results from continued low level nonitoring to evaluate these earlier interpretations.