Uncovering a core shift in tree species in Kentucky

Percentage of oaks, pines, and American chestnut in Kentucky around 1910.

Without frequent surface fires, fire-tolerant oaks have experienced a severe decline, falling from 52 percent of all trees in Kentucky down to just 21 percent. Fire-sensitive maples have since expanded from their historical baseline of 5 percent up to 19 percent of all trees found in Kentucky's forests. Other fire-sensitive species like eastern red cedar and yellow-poplar have also increased.

By illuminating the historical dominance of fire-tolerant oak and the extent of fire as a process, new research provides a new perspective on current ecosystems. This project is unique in reconstructing the historical vegetation of Kentucky - but the findings are not unique at all! This same transition from fire-tolerant species to fire-sensitive species is common in forests that no longer have frequent surface fires.