Results of research in forest health and forest futures in Utah Key Results 1. Ancient trees: Old-growth blue and Engelmann spruce (>300 years, Fig. 1) were scattered throughout closed-canopy stands. 2. Drought stress predominates: Higher precipitation and lower maximum temperatures improve growth — even in a forest at 10,000 ft. 3. Similar climate responses: Both blue spruce and Engelmann spruce had nearly identical climate sensitivity and growth responses.