Prescribed Fire at Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryant R. 1995. Prescribed Fire at Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce Canyon, UT
Fire suppression and grazing have resulted in dramatic changes in the forests of Bryce Canyon National Park, located on the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. Evidence of frequent fires prior to Mormon settlement indicate ponderosa pine forests in the northern portion of the park had an average fire return interval of 3.3 years. The mixed conifer forests in the southern portion of the park experienced a fire on the average of 7.5 years. The impacts of suppressing fire has resulted in high fuel loads, invasion of fire intolerant species, and the increased threat of high-intensity wildfires. The park has been conducting prescribed fires since 1990. These management-ignited fires have decreased fuel loading and resulted in mortality of overstory trees ranging from 10 to 22 percent.
- Type
- Unpublished Report
- Authors
- Bryant, Richard
- Date of Issue
- 1995-07
- Units
- BRCA
- Keywords
- FIRE, Fire History, Forest, Forestry, Grazing, Management, Plant Studies, Prescribed Fire, Range Management, Restoration - Natural, Suppression