Changes in stand density, species composition and fuel load following prescribed fire in the southern Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest
Keifer M. 1995. Changes in stand density, species composition and fuel load following prescribed fire in the southern Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 76(2):138-139
Tree species composition and density and forest floor fuel accumulation in a network of 0.1 ha permanent plots are monitored prior to and following prescribed fires in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Three mixed conifer forest types monitored between 1250 and 2200 m elevation are white fir (Abies concolor), giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), and ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). In all three forest types, pre-fire species composition is generally dominated by white fir, especially in the smaller diameter classes, indicating white fir's relative success where fire has been excluded for at least the last 80 years. White fir and total tree density (all species combined) in all three forest types is reduced following prescribed fire, however, relative density of white fir does not change. In the giant sequoia type, although giant sequoia density remains constant, its relative density increases slightly. Total fuel load is reduced by 72%, 59%, and 95% in the white fir, giant sequoia, and pine types, respectively, with the greatest consumption occurring in the duff component of the fuel. Woody fuel may increase to near pre-fire levels in the white fir and giant sequoia types one to five years following prescribed fire, while duff accumulates at a much slower rate. Monitoring results are used to assess achievement of the Parks' management objectives.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Keifer, Marybeth
- Units
- SEKI
- Keywords
- Conifer Forest, Impacts, Plant Studies, Prescribed Burns, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks CA