Study

Vegetation response to prescribed fire in Douglas-fir forests, Olympic National Park

  • Published source details Fonda R.W. & Binney E.P. (2011) Vegetation response to prescribed fire in Douglas-fir forests, Olympic National Park. Northwest Science, 85, 30-40.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use prescribed fire: effects on mature trees

Action Link
Forest Conservation

Use prescribed fire: effect on understory plants

Action Link
Forest Conservation
  1. Use prescribed fire: effects on mature trees

    A replicated, before-and-after study in 2006-2010 in temperate coniferous forest in Washington State, USA (Fonda & Binney 2011) found that prescribed burning decreased the density, but not basal area of trees. The density of all trees (pre-fire: 1,565; post-fire: 655/ha) and of trees <20 cm diameter at breast height (pre-fire: 845; post-fire: 190/ha) was lower three years post-fire. Basal area of trees was similar (pre-fire: 82; post-fire: 60 m2/ha). Data were collected in 2006 (pre-fire) and in 2010 (post-fire) in five 20 x 20 m plots that were burned in 2007.

     

  2. Use prescribed fire: effect on understory plants

    A replicated, before-and-after study in 2006-2010 in temperate coniferous forest in Washington State, USA (Fonda & Binney 2011) found that prescribed burning decreased the cover of understory vegetation. Understory vegetation cover was lower 3 years post-fire (pre-fire: 107%; post-fire: 40%). Data was collected in 2006 (pre-fire) and in 2010 (post-fire) in five 20 x 20 m plots that were prescribed burned in 2007.

     

Output references
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