Effects of low intensity prescribed fires on ponderosa pine forests in wilderness areas of Zion National Park, Utah

Henry V. Bastian

Treesearch

Effects of low intensity prescribed fires on ponderosa pine forests in wilderness areas of Zion National Park, Utah

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Henry V. Bastian

Year:

2001

Type:

Proceedings

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Vance, Regina K.; Edminster, Carleton B.; Covington, W. Wallace; Blake, Julie A., comps. Ponderosa pine ecosystems restoration and conservation: steps toward stewardship; 2000 April 25-27; Flagstaff, AZ. Proceedings RMRS-P-22. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 43-48.

Download (PDF 339 KB)

Download (PDF 339 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/46671.pdf

Abstract

Vegetation and fuel loading plots were monitored and sampled in wilderness areas treated with prescribed fire. Changes in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forest structure tree species and fuel loading are presented. Plots were randomly stratified and established in burn units in 1995. Preliminary analysis of nine plots 2 years after burning show litter was reduced 54.3 percent, duff was reduced 34.7 percent, ponderosa pine tree density in the 10.2 cm to 30.5 cm d.b.h. (diameter at breast height) size class was reduced 18 percent, and ponderosa pine tree density greater than 61.2 cm d.b.h. increased in Zion National Park.

Parent Publication

Ponderosa pine ecosystems restoration and conservation: steps toward stewardship; 2000 April 25-27; Flagstaff, AZ

Keywords

ponderosa pine, ecosystem management, landscape management, restoration, conservation, fire behavior, cost effectiveness analysis

Citation

Bastian, Henry V. 2001. Effects of low intensity prescribed fires on ponderosa pine forests in wilderness areas of Zion National Park, Utah. In: Vance, Regina K.; Edminster, Carleton B.; Covington, W. Wallace; Blake, Julie A., comps. Ponderosa pine ecosystems restoration and conservation: steps toward stewardship; 2000 April 25-27; Flagstaff, AZ. Proceedings RMRS-P-22. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 43-48.