Looking back along Fork Ridge, along which you have just traveled. Right along the top is a relatively healthy example of a regenerated spruce-fir environment, although its extent down either side of the ridge looks to be limited somewhat. The forest type may spread downhill as the years go by, until a natural graduation between the spruces and hardwoods occurs at lower elevations. Just below the zone with the tall spruces here, the woods are FILLED with spruce and fir seedlings, which may eventually shade out the hardwoods. This all depends on how healthy the forest can remain. Only time will tell.
