When Smokey says "No": Fire-less methods for growing plants adapted to cultural fire regimes

Abstract

Two culturally-significant plants (sweetgrass [Anthoxanthum nitens] and beargrass [Xerophyllum tenax]) are used as case studies for investigating methods of restoring plant populations that are adapted to indigenous burning practices without using fire. Reports from tribal members that the plants of interest were declining in traditional gathering areas provided the impetus for research with both species. In both situations, reintroducing large-scale repetitive burning was not feasible. Field studies of planting with cover crops and manually clearing competing shrubs and herbaceous plants are examined, as well as a greenhouse study evaluating the effect of smoke-water on seed germination. All three experiments yielded significant results when compared to a control. These findings indicate that when reintroducing fire is not feasible, treatments are available that, in some cases, may increase the reproduction and growth of target species.

Parent Publication

• National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2009

Citation

Shebitz, Daniela; James, Justine E., Jr. 2010. When Smokey says "No": Fire-less methods for growing plants adapted to cultural fire regimes. In: Riley, L. E.; Pinto, J. R.; Dumroese, R. K., tech. cords. National Proceedings: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations-2009. Proc. RMRS-P-62. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 17-23.