Silvicultural considerations for managing fire-dependent oak woodland ecosystems

Abstract

Oak woodlands are characterized by open understories and dense ground flora composed of forbs, grasses, and sedges. They once were common in the western Central Hardwood Forest region and the prairie-forest transition zone where low-intensity fires occurred frequently. In the absence of fire, many of the woodland ecosystems throughout much of this region have succeeded to compositions and structures resembling those of mesophytic forests. Consequently, forest managers are increasingly interested in restoring the structure and composition of oak woodlands by thinning and prescribed burning. Presently, there are few guidelines based upon silvicultural principles for restoring and managing woodland ecosystems. However, many silvicultural concepts, principles, and methods used for managing forests can also be used for managing woodlands, but the application and timing of treatments may differ to meet the objectives of woodland management. In this paper, we summarize findings from a number of studies and offer guidelines for restoring and managing oak woodlands.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings 19th Central Hardwood Forest Conference

Citation

Kabrick, John M.; Dey, Daniel C.; Kinkead, Carter O.; Knapp, Benjamin O.; Leahy, Michael; Olson, Matthew G.; Stambaugh, Michael C.; Stevenson, Aaron P. 2014. Silvicultural considerations for managing fire-dependent oak woodland ecosystems. In: Groninger, John W.; Holzmueller, Eric J.; Nielsen, Clayton K.; Dey, Daniel C., eds. Proceedings, 19th Central Hardwood Forest Conference; 2014 March 10-12; Carbondale, IL. General Technical Report NRS-P-142. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 2-15.