Ecological foundations for fire management in North American forest and shrubland ecosystems / J.E. Keeley [and others].

Format:

Book

Government document

Contributor:

Keeley, Jon E.

Pacific Northwest Research Station (Portland, Or.)

Series:

General technical report PNW ; 779.

General technical report PNW ; 779

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Forest ecology--Fires and fire prevention--North America.

Forest ecology.

Fire management--Fires and fire prevention--North America.

Fire management.

Ecosystem management--Fires and fire prevention--North America.

Ecosystem management.

North America.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (92 pages) : illustrations, maps

Place of Publication:

Portland, OR : U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, [2009]

Summary:

This synthesis provides an ecological foundation for management of the diverse ecosystems and fire regimes of North America, based on scientific principles of fire interactions with vegetation, fuels, and biophysical processes. Although a large amount of scientific data on fire exists, most of those data have been collected at small spatial and temporal scales. Thus, it is challenging to develop consistent science-based plans for large spatial and temporal scales where most fire management and planning occur. Understanding the regional geographic context of fire regimes is critical for developing appropriate and sustainable management strategies and policy. The degree to which human intervention has modified fire frequency, intensity, and severity varies greatly among different ecosystems, and must be considered when planning to alter fuel loads or implement restorative treatments. Detailed discussion of six ecosystems--ponderosa pine forest (western North America), chaparral (California), boreal forest (Alaska and Canada), Great Basin sagebrush (intermountain West), pine and pine-hardwood forests (Southern Appalachian Mountains), and longleaf pine (Southeastern United States)-- illustrates the complexity of fire regimes and that fire management requires a clear regional focus that recognizes where conflicts might exist between fire hazard reduction and resource needs. In some systems, such as ponderosa pine, treatments are usually compatible with both fuel reduction and resource needs, whereas in others, such as chaparral, the potential exists for conflicts that need to be closely evaluated. Managing fire regimes in a changing climate and social environment requires a strong scientific basis for developing fire management and policy.

Notes:

Title from PDF title screen (viewed September 23, 2009).

"March 2009."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 58-92).

Print version record.

Electronic reproduction. [Place of publication not identified]: HathiTrust Digital Library. 2023.

Other Format:

Print version: Ecological foundations for fire management in North American forest and shrubland ecosystems.

OCLC:

475001858

Access Restriction:

Use copy Restrictions unspecified