On a high plateau near Cedar Mountain in Southern Utah, a vast stand of quaking aspen stretches eastward. Rounded, bright green, leaves shimmer and flutter in the slanting light of dusk and paper white trunks line the dirt road on its way to Kolob Reservoir. 

From the vantage of the road, this forest seems nearly devoid of any other tree species except a few scattered pines. The aspens are kings here, with many of them part of singular gigantic organisms connected by roots underground. 

An article from the Salt Lake Tribune reveals how aspen is taking center stage in the quest to protect wild lands from catastrophic fires. But, like so many issues in the West, reality can be complicated. 

Utah State study shows pros, cons of “roller felling” forests

https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2023/07/14/lawmakers-gave-millions-support/