SFRC-86/05 Response of Muhlenbergia Prarie to Repeated Burning: Changes in Above-ground Biomass
Herndon A and Taylor D. 1986. SFRC-86/05 Response of Muhlenbergia Prarie to Repeated Burning: Changes in Above-ground Biomass. SFRC 86/05. South Florida Natural Resources Center. Homestead, Florida
Muhlenbergia prairie is one of the most extensive plant communities in the Taylor Slough region of Everglades National Park (Olmsted et al. 1980). This community occupies higher ground than any other prairie in the Everglades and is consequently the most frequently burned. In the past, many fires that started outside the park have crossed into the park through the extensive Muhlenbergia prairies along the eastern boundary of the Taylor Slough region and some fires that started in the park crossed in the other direction (Taylor 1981). This led to the establishment of a regular burning program along the park boundary (Fire Management Plan, 1977). Muhlenbergia prairies along the northern and eastern park boundaries were scheduled for frequent burning to reduce fuel loads and lessen the chance of fires crossing the boundaries. Similar fuel reduction burns were also scheduled at several locations well within the boundaries to protect structures or natural sites deemed to be of special importance. These prescribed fuel-reduction have generally been carried out during the dry, relatively cool, months from November through March while available evidence indicates that the prairies historically burned during the summer months (Taylor 1981).
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Herndon, Alan; Taylor, Dale
- Date of Issue
- 1986
- Publisher
- South Florida Natural Resources Center
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- Biomass, Burning, FIRE, Muhlenbergia, SFNRCTRS