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Abstract
Management of the Madrean oak woodlands and the less dense and ecologically different oak savannas must be based on sound ecological information. However, relatively little is known about the Madrean oak ecosystems in spite of the fact that they cover about 80,000 km2 in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Emory oak (Quercus emoryi), the dominant tree in most stands, is usually associated with other oak and juniper species. Trees are utilized for firewood, fence posts, and construction materials and oak acorns are gathered as food by local inhabitants. The woodlands and savannas provide important habitat for listed and sensitive wildlife species and forage for livestock grazing. Tree regeneration and water consumption are important considerations. Tree harvesting has been restricted because of heavy utilization in the past but coppice management could ease the supply situation. Recreational demands and fire management concerns in the woodlands are increasing as human populations grow in southern Arizona. This manuscript reviews the ecology and management of the overstory component of oak woodlands and savannas based on relevant literature from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Parent Publication
Keywords
Madrean Archipelago,
Sky Islands,
southwestern United States,
northern Mexico,
natural environment,
fauna,
flora,
research,
management,
biodiversity,
climate change
Citation
Gottfried, Gerald J.; Ffolliott, Peter F. 2013. Ecology and management of oak woodlands and savannas in the southwestern Borderlands Region. In: Gottfried, Gerald J.; Ffolliott, Peter F.; Gebow, Brooke S.; Eskew, Lane G.; Collins, Loa C. Merging science and management in a rapidly changing world: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago III and 7th Conference on Research and Resource Management in the Southwestern Deserts; 2012 May 1-5; Tucson, AZ. Proceedings. RMRS-P-67. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 337-340.
