Effects of prescribed fire in giant sequoia-mixed conifer stands in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Abstract

Many national parks have incorporated the use of management-ignited prescribed fire in their management plans. Soil and cambium heating, forest floor fuel reduction, and soil nutrient increases have been measured on eight independent, planned management fires over a 9-year period in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Findings show that instantaneous lethal temperature (150°F [66°C]) can be reached in the soil and within the cambium of giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) and sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana) trees during prescribed burning. Mortality has not occurred to any of the giant sequoia trees examined but has occurred to some of the sugar pine trees examined. Available nitrogen in the soil is increased substantially and persisted for up to 4 years after prescribed burning.

Citation

Haase, Sally M.; Sackett, Stephen S. 1998. Effects of prescribed fire in giant sequoia-mixed conifer stands in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. In Teresa L. Pruden and Leonard A. Brennan eds. Fire in ecosystem management: shifting the paradigm from suppression to prescription. Tall Timbers Research Station, Tallahassee, FL. Tall Timbers Fire Ecology Conference Proceedings. No. 20: 236-243.