Long-Term Ecological Effects of Prescribed Burning and Mechanical Treatments on Eastern Oak Forests
| Authors: | Andrea Brandon, Todd Hutchinson |
| Year: | 2024 |
| Type: | Miscellaneous Publication |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| Source: | FS |
Abstract
Eastern oak (Quercus spp.) forests in the United States have experienced significant ecological changes over the past century due to fire exclusion and land-use changes. Historically, anthropogenic (human-ignited) fire regimes maintained oak dominance by reducing mesophytic (shade-tolerant, fire-intolerant) competitors, such as red maple (Acer rubrum) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). With the loss of fire across the landscape, these species have become more abundant, suppressed oak regeneration, and altered forest structure in a process known as mesophication.
Natural resource managers seeking to reverse mesophication and restore oak forest communities need the best available science to support forest management strategies aimed at sustaining oak ecosystems.