Restoring fire to ecosystems: Methods vary with land management goals

Abstract

Periodic forest, grassland, and shrubland fires are part of the natural environment-as natural and vital as rain, snow, or wind (Heinselman 1978). Evidence of past fires is found in charcoal layers in lakes and bogs, and in the fire-scarred cross sections of trees. Recurring disturbances by fire are essential to the functioning of many ecosystems, termed "fire-dependent," that are found throughout North America (Heinselman 1978). Many examples are available to describe how fire affects the functioning of ecosystems, such as influencing plant succession, fuel accumulations, structure and composition of vegetation, insect and disease populations, nutrient cycling, productivity, diversity, and habitats for wildlife.

Parent Publication

• The use of fire in forest restoration

Citation

Mutch, Robert W.; Cook, Wayne A. 1996. Restoring fire to ecosystems: Methods vary with land management goals. In: Hardy, Colin C.; Arno, Stephen F., eds. The use of fire in forest restoration. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-341. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. p. 9-11.