Monitoring post-fire vegetation regeneration in a Madrean ecosystem

Abstract

Fire suppression over the past century has contributed to the conversion of grasslands to shrublands in Sky Island communities. Two prescribed fires were ignited in the Peloncillo Mountains: Baker Canyon in 1995 and Maverick Spring in 1997. Remote sensing data were used to examine prescribed fire effectiveness in reducing shrub cover and to monitor post-fire regeneration. Landcover maps identified an initial decrease in shrubcover due to foliage loss and top-killing, with shrubcover increasing in following years where low burn severity did not kill shrubs completely. Results indicate the need for a regular schedule of prescribed fire to achieve permanent shrubcover reduction.

Parent Publication

• Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II

Citation

O''Neal, Kelley J.; Rogan, John; Yool, Stephen R. 2005. Monitoring post-fire vegetation regeneration in a Madrean ecosystem. Gottfried, Gerald J.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Edminster, Carleton B., comps. Connecting mountain islands and desert seas: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago II. Proc. RMRS-P-36. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: 533-535