About this Area of Pando
The Lower Pando Exclosure Section of Pando spans approximately 17.86 acres and is one of two major sections of the tree that feature permanent 8-foot protective fences used to keep deer and elk out. While growth varies across Pando’s larger expanse, this section features the second largest concentrations of regeneration in Pando, and for good reasons. Fencing combined with fire have shown the most promise to restore Pando’s health, which has been in question for some years. Working between 2012-2014, the Fishlake National Forest used prescribed fire to destroy underbrush and stimulate Pando’s roots in the effort to restore the health of the tree. In terms of landscape, this section features a mix of old, middle aged and new branches. It also features a massive volcanic field near the bottom, and hosts magnificent wildflower blooms each “spring” (July). As the only section of the Pando with a maintained footpath that figures as part of the Lakeshore Trail, it is the most most visited section of the tree for those wanting to experience Pando first hand.