Subalpine vegetation pattern three decades after stand-replacing fire: Effects of landscape context and topography on plant community composition, tree regeneration, and diversity

Jonathan D. Coop; Robert T. Massatti; Anna W. Schoettle

doi:10.1111/j.1654-1103.2009.01154x

Treesearch

Subalpine vegetation pattern three decades after stand-replacing fire: Effects of landscape context and topography on plant community composition, tree regeneration, and diversity

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Jonathan D. Coop, Robert T. Massatti, Anna W. Schoettle

Year:

2010

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1654-1103.2009.01154x

Source:

Journal of Vegetation Science. doi: 10.1111/j.1654-1103.2009.01154x.

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Abstract

These subalpine wildfires generated considerable, persistent increases in plant species richness at local and landscape scales, and a diversity of plant communities. The findings suggest that fire suppression in such systems must lead to reduced diversity. Concerns about post-fire invasion by exotic plants appear unwarranted in high-elevation wilderness settings.

Keywords

elevation, exotic species, plant species richness, post-fire succession, Southern Rocky Mountains, timberline, treeline, tree seedling, wilderness

Citation

Coop, Jonathan D.; Massatti, Robert T.; Schoettle, Anna W. 2010. Subalpine vegetation pattern three decades after stand-replacing fire: Effects of landscape context and topography on plant community composition, tree regeneration, and diversity. Journal of Vegetation Science. doi: 10.1111/j.1654-1103.2009.01154x.