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Fire Research » Fire Ecology & Fire Effects
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Fire Ecology and Fire Effects
Ecosystem Restoration Using Prescribed Fire in Montane Ecosystems in
Jasper National Park
Introduction
Montane
ecosystems within Jasper National Park, Alberta, have historically been
dominated by fire. Fire-exclusion policies have removed the influence
of fire throughout much of the park since the early part of the 20th century,
and, as a result, some naturally occurring ecosystems are becoming less
abundant across the landscape. This research focuses on two montane ecosystems
located north of the Jasper town-site along the Athabasca River valley
and makes use of Jasper National Park's prescribed burning program to
reintroduce fire into these areas.
The
montane lodgepole pine–grassland ecosystem is a relatively open-forest
type community. In the absence of fire disturbance it has gradually become
more densely populated with uneven-aged pine. In addition, exceptionally
high populations of elk (Cervus elaphus) within the park boundaries
entail increased habitat use and a potentially unnatural influence on
associated plant communities.
The
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) ecosystem is also typically
an open-forest type community, maintained by relatively short fire intervals
of low fire intensity. This type of fire regime tends to kill smaller
stems, while allowing larger stems to survive. Since fire has been excluded,
this ecosystem has developed high stem densities and has more recently
suffered from Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae Hopk.)
infestations.
This research focuses on quantifying these relationships and developing
restoration protocols through the use of prescribed fire in the montane
lodgepole pine–grassland and Douglas-fir ecosystems. More specifically,
the research has the following objectives:
- To determine the impact of fire on the ecosystems.
- To determine the impact of elk browsing on the lodgepole pine–grassland
ecosystem.
- To determine the interaction between fire and elk browsing in the
lodgepole pine–grassland ecosystem.
- To use prescribed fire to reduce the stem density of Douglas-fir in
the Douglas-fir ecosystem.
- To determine the interaction between fire and Douglas-fir beetle in
the Douglas-fir ecosystem.
Jackladder
I Unit
Lodgepole pine–grassland
The Jackladder I unit was sampled in 1998, burned in May 1999, and resampled
in 1999, 2000, and 2001. Sampling efforts collected data on fuel loading;
tree, shrub, and herb inventories; and elk pellet counts. These data were
collected in both fenced exclosures and nonfenced areas. Fire in the Jackladder
I unit was a low-intensity surface fire, although some individual trees
did become fully engulfed in flames. In areas of open-canopy forest, most
trees were killed. In areas of closed-canopy fire, approximately half
of the trees were killed. Juniper was easily killed by fire and has not
re-established on the site to date; buffaloberry was also easily killed
but has effectively re-established on the site. Forb diversity quickly
returned to prefire levels in the year following the burn. Forb and grass,
at various stages of curing, recovered quickly as well.
Jackladder
II Unit
Lodgepole pine–grassland
The Jackladder II unit was sampled in 1998 and 2000, burned in 2001,
and resampled in 2001. Sampling efforts collected the same data as were
collected in the Jackladder I unit. Fire intensity in the Jackladder II
unit was high, and practically all trees were fully engulfed in flames.
In all areas, tree mortality was 100%. Sampling performed in 2001 primarily
focused on estimates of fire intensity, and further sampling in 2002 will
quantify fire effects on trees, shrubs, ground vegetation, and habitat
use.
Hawk Mountain Units
Douglas-fir
The
Hawk Mountain units were sampled in 2001, and are tentatively scheduled
for burning in spring 2003. Intensive sampling throughout the units collected
data on fuels, tree inventories, shrub densities, and Douglas-fir beetle
activity. To date, the data have been used for development of the fire
prescription and will be used for estimating the impact of fire following
disturbance.
Acknowledgments
Funding and support of this work have been provided by the Canadian Forest
Service (Northern Forestry Centre), Parks Canada (Jasper National Parks),
and the Foothills Model Forest.
Request for further information and questions related to this work or
the Canadian Forest Service prescribed fire program can be directed to
Pete.Bothwell@nrcan.gc.ca
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