Chihuahuan Desert Cluster, Fire Ecology Annual Report, Calendar Year 2006

Author unknown

A summary of fire ecology activities and program information for the Park/network including fire effects plot workload, staffing, management objectives and monitoring results, and planning, fire monitoring, communications, and research. Also included are staff accomplishments/areas of focus, future program direction and other optional information (e.g. data analysis graphics or presentations, annual highlights, publications, program challenges, unique solutions to problems, collaboration, photographs of monitoring/fire activities, and suggestions on FFI). FY2005 and FY2006 saw the first significant fuels treatment activity for the Chihuahuan Desert Cluster (BIBE, CAVE and GUMO) since 2000. For Big Bend National Park these prescribed fire treatments involved major vegetation types where fire could play a significant ecological role and which there are legitimate questions as to what role fire does play. Previous prescribed fire activity involved very small sites having an esoteric fuel types limited in scope where resource management was taking the lead in monitoring and one site where fire has a very limited role due to the paucity of fine fuels (Desert Scrub) and was the subject of a graduate student’s (Baylor) Masters Thesis research project. The fire ecology staff spent time relocating historic Fire Ecology plots that were established in the late 1970’s and located within upcoming burn units. Additionally, FY2006 cumulated in the completion of two major research projects that will be key in the development of desired future conditions in the forest and woodlands at BIBE and GUMO . Prior to the completion of these Joint Fire Science funded projects there was little information on which to develop desired future conditions, a major challenge for the program.

Chihuahuan Desert Cluster, Fire Ecology Annual Report, Calendar Year 2006

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