Aquatic species invasions in the context of fire and climate change

Abstract

This paper focuses on the nexus among native and nonnative fishes with respect to fire and climate change in the western United States. Although many taxa are involved, I emphasize native and nonnative salmonids because these are obligate coldwater species that might be expected to respond strongly to fire and because most research has been conducted on these fishes. Also, forested lands in federal ownership in the western United States represent the stronghold for many native coldwater taxa and are the subject of fire, fuels, and water management. I caution, however, that climate change, coupled with a growing human population and increasing demands for certain ecosystem services (e.g., water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use) may alter the species of concern, their interaction, and the geographic focus of this issue.

Parent Publication

• Climate change, forests, fire, water, and fish: Building resilient landscapes, streams, and managers

Citation

Young, Michael K. 2012. Aquatic species invasions in the context of fire and climate change. In: Luce, Charles; Morgan, Penny; Dwire, Kathleen; Isaak, Daniel; Holden, Zachary; Rieman, Bruce. Climate change, forests, fire, water, and fish: Building resilient landscapes, streams, and managers. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-290. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 195-207.