Post-fire response of riparian vegetation in a heavily browsed environment

Kaczynski, Kristen M.; Cooper, David J.

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2014.11.017

Cited by 9 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…, Wolf et al. , Kaczynski and Cooper ). It may be that conservative wetland taxa are so sensitive to HDs, especially hydrologic alterations, that they have been largely removed from RMNP's low‐elevation large valley bottom riparian and wet meadows where the interplay between shrubs and ungulates largely occurs.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Using structural equation modeling to link human activities to wetland ecological integrity

et al. 2016

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Abstract. The integrity of wetlands is of global concern. A common approach to evaluating ecological integrity involves bioassessment procedures that quantify the degree to which communities deviate from historical norms. While helpful, bioassessment provides little information about how altered conditions connect to community response. More detailed information is needed for conservation and restoration. We have illustrated an approach to addressing this challenge using structural equation modeling (SEM) and long-term monitoring data from Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). Wetlands in RMNP are threatened by a complex history of anthropogenic disturbance including direct alteration of hydrologic regimes; elimination of elk, wolves, and grizzly bears; reintroduction of elk (absent their primary predators); and the extirpation of beaver. More recently, nonnative moose were introduced to the region and have expanded into the park. Bioassessment suggests that up to half of the park's wetlands are not in reference condition. We developed and evaluated a general hypothesis about how human alterations influence wetland integrity and then develop a specific model using RMNP wetlands. Bioassessment revealed three bioindicators that appear to be highly sensitive to human disturbance (HD): (1) conservatism, (2) degree of invasion, and (3) cover of native forbs. SEM analyses suggest several ways human activities have impacted wetland integrity and the landscape of RMNP. First, degradation is highest where the combined effects of all types of direct HD have been the greatest (i.e., there is a general, overall effect). Second, specific HDs appear to create a "mixed-bag" of complex indirect effects, including reduced invasion and increased conservatism, but also reduced native forb cover. Some of these effects are associated with alterations to hydrologic regimes, while others are associated with altered shrub production. Third, landscape features created by historical beaver activity continue to influence wetland integrity years after beavers have abandoned sites via persistent landforms and reduced biomass of tall shrubs. Our model provides a system-level perspective on wetland integrity and provides a context for future evaluations and investigations. It also suggests scientifically supported natural resource management strategies that can assist in the National Park Service mission of maintaining or, when indicated, restoring ecological integrity "unimpaired for future generations."

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Using structural equation modeling to link human activities to wetland ecological integrity

et al. 2016

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“…If more elk begin to summer on areas that have traditionally been winter range, park managers may feel the need to begin to evaluate summer willow offtake annually. Kaczynski and Cooper (2015) observed summer offtake on willows in Moraine Park in 2013, and data collected in summer 2014 indicated that elk are browsing in summer throughout the core winter range.…”

Section: Current State Of Elk-vegetation Management On Winter Rangementioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is possible that resprouting willows in Rocky Mountain National Park may also be subject to high levels of herbivory due to increased nutritional value of burned plants. Current studies of Moraine Park willow have determined that 45 percent of studied individuals had resprouted following the fire, but that those burned plants subject to browsing had 64 percent less biomass than unbrowsed, burned willows (Kaczynski and Cooper, 2015).…”

Section: Current State Of Elk-vegetation Management On Winter Rangementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Annual offtake sampling of burned willow sites will provide information on response of offtake rates to burning. Annual monitoring of willow height and cover on burned plots, both fenced and unfenced, for the next 5 yrs, coupled with the data from the Kaczynski and Cooper (2015) study, will provide information on the short-term effects of fire on these willow communities. Continuing to monitor these sites as part of the regular monitoring program rotation after 2018 will provide data on the long-term responses of willow communities to fire.…”

Section: Current State Of Elk-vegetation Management On Winter Rangementioning

confidence: 99%

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Monitoring of vegetation response to elk population and habitat management in Rocky Mountain National Park, 2008–14

Zeigenfuss¹,

Johnson²

2015

Open-File Report

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“…), and rosaceous shrubs and trees (Amelanchier, Crataegus, Physocarpus, Prunus, Rosa, Rubus, and Spiraea spp.) sprout from stumps, root crowns, lignotubers and belowground stems following fire (Adams et al 1982;Dwire et al 2006b;Halofsky and Hibbs 2009a;Jackson and Sullivan 2009;Kaczynski and Cooper 2015;Kobziar and McBride 2006;Miller 2000;Stickney 1986). Fire-caused tree and shrub mortality is highest when the litter layer and soil organic horizons are consumed by fire, and root crowns and other belowground tissue are killed (Kauffman and Martin 1990;Stickney 1986).…”

Section: Adaptations Of Riparian Vegetation To Firementioning

confidence: 99%