Conclusion:

The results discussed here are best used to continue refining the hypotheses of this study. The small sample size of repeated sites does not allow for rigorous statistical testing, however, the following general trends are a good starting point to understanding how whitebark pine forests have changed since multiple disturbances:


1. The current classification system adequately describes the variation between the three site series. However, there is no statistically significant difference between the "02" and "03" site types, implying that these two communities have some level of overlap in species composition.


2. The opposite trends in total bryophyte and lichen abundance between the "02" and "03" site types indicates that sites experiencing similar disturbance regimes with fairly similar community compositions pre-disturbance may be responding in different directions.


3. The change in overall communities since disturbance further supports that these site types may be responding in different directions, however the direction of change is still unclear. There is evidence that "02" sites may have shifted towards a composition more similar to "03", however further sampling may help clarify these trends.


4. There may be environmental variables that will help explain some of these trends, however currently there is no evidence to support that univariate or multivariate community composition can be predicted by the parameters available.


Future sampling and examination of other potential explanatory variables will hopefully clarify the initial trends seen here. This will lead to a better understanding of how these forests are changing in response to disturbance, which is a crucial component for the future management and conservation of Whitebark pine ecosystems.