Fire ecology of forests and woodlands in Utah

Abstract

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Effects of tree cutting and fire on understory vegetation in mixed conifer forests

“…This does not necessarily preclude new species from becoming established, but rather that species present initially persist through treatment even if their abundance is reduced (Dodson et al, 2007). Mechanisms including resprouting and tight links between soil seed banks and aboveground composition, promote species persistence (Lyon and Stickney, 1976;Fischer and Clayton, 1983;Bradley et al, 1992). The cutting + prescribed fire treatment in this review suggests species persistence, because plant abundance was usually reduced immediately after treatment, but species richness (driven by persistence with smaller components of new species) was typically maintained or increased ( Fig.…”

“…We anticipated that shrub, forb, and graminoid growth forms overall would respond similarly to treatment, because all these growth forms had evolved in often-disturbed mixed conifer forest and each has mechanisms for persisting in disturbed forest (Bradley et al, 1992). For example, many species of each growth form readily resprout if top-killed and also form soil seed banks to endure through or colonize after disturbance (Abella and Springer, 2012).…”

Influence of time since fire on pinyon–juniper woodland structure

“…More work is needed to investigate factors influencing the levels of these elements and their relationship to ecosystem dynamics. Pre-burn stand characteristics, fire severity, climate, and physical site factors are likely to be important in determining structural complexity and subsequent developmental trajectories (Bradley et al, 1992). In particular, the interactions between climate, fire severity, and the influences of biological legacies in determining long-term structural patterns are in need of further study.…”

Sagebrush steppe recovery after fire varies by development phase of Juniperus occidentalis woodland

“…The emergence of C. velutinus was likely due to its presence in the soil seed bank. Ceanothus velutinus seed remains viable in soils for periods exceeding 200 years and can appear after fire where it was previously not present (Steen 1966;Kramer and Johnson 1987;Halpern 1989;Bradley et al 1991;Tonn et al 2000). In our study, large C. velutinus patches developed with the highest densities and cover in the Phase 3 sites.…”