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• 1. [Article] The effects of fire on soil nitrogen associated with patches of the actinorhizal shrub Ceanothus cordulatus

  Nitrogen is a limiting resource in many temperate forests and nitrogen-fixing plants are usually limited to the early stages of post-disturbance succession. In fire-dependent Sierra Nevada forests, however, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The effects of fire on soil nitrogen associated with patches of the actinorhizal shrub Ceanothus cordulatus Author: Oakley, Brian B., Norht, Malcolm P., Franklin, Jerry F. Nitrogen is a limiting resource in many temperate forests and nitrogen-fixing plants are usually limited to the early stages of post-disturbance succession. In fire-dependent Sierra Nevada forests, however, Ceanothus cordulatus is relatively abundant even in old-growth forest conditions which are at least partly maintained by fire.We conducted a field experiment to determine if soil beneath Ceanothus patches represent ‘resource islands’ of available N which persist after fire. Nine plots containing discrete patches of Ceanothus, Arctostaphylos patula (manzanita; chosen as a non N-fixing reference species), and bare forest floor were subjected to either a low-intensity (n = 3) or highintensity (n = 3) bum treatment, or remained unburned as controls (n = 3). Soil temperatures during the bum were monitored by a network of thermocouples placed at the surface of the mineral soil and at ca. 10 cm depths. Soil samples were collected from the organic horizon, 0-10 cm and 15-25 cm depths within each patch type immediately before burning and 2 days, and 6, and 11 months after. Soil moisture, total C and N, and ammonium and nitrate concentrations were determined in the laboratory. Before the burn, Ceanothus patches were significantly enriched in total and inorganic N in the organic horizon relative to the other patch types. A sharp increase in inorganic N was observed in all patch types and depths immediately following burning, but by 6 months after the burn, Ceanothus patches were significantly enriched relative to the surrounding patch types and remained so at months. Resprouting Ceanothus patches will continue to be an important source of a limiting nutrient in this fire-prone ecosystem. Title: The effects of fire on soil nitrogen associated with patches of the actinorhizal shrub Ceanothus cordulatus Author: Oakley, Brian B., Norht, Malcolm P., Franklin, Jerry F. Nitrogen is a limiting resource in many temperate forests and nitrogen-fixing plants are usually limited to the early stages of post-disturbance succession. In fire-dependent Sierra Nevada forests, however, Ceanothus cordulatus is relatively abundant even in old-growth forest conditions which are at least partly maintained by fire.We conducted a field experiment to determine if soil beneath Ceanothus patches represent ‘resource islands’ of available N which persist after fire. Nine plots containing discrete patches of Ceanothus, Arctostaphylos patula (manzanita; chosen as a non N-fixing reference species), and bare forest floor were subjected to either a low-intensity (n = 3) or highintensity (n = 3) bum treatment, or remained unburned as controls (n = 3). Soil temperatures during the bum were monitored by a network of thermocouples placed at the surface of the mineral soil and at ca. 10 cm depths. Soil samples were collected from the organic horizon, 0-10 cm and 15-25 cm depths within each patch type immediately before burning and 2 days, and 6, and 11 months after. Soil moisture, total C and N, and ammonium and nitrate concentrations were determined in the laboratory. Before the burn, Ceanothus patches were significantly enriched in total and inorganic N in the organic horizon relative to the other patch types. A sharp increase in inorganic N was observed in all patch types and depths immediately following burning, but by 6 months after the burn, Ceanothus patches were significantly enriched relative to the surrounding patch types and remained so at months. Resprouting Ceanothus patches will continue to be an important source of a limiting nutrient in this fire-prone ecosystem. Close

• 2. [Article] Disturbance and dynamics of riparian forests in southwestern Oregon

  Fire exclusion has been associated with structural and compositional changes in many upland forests of the western United States, but little is known about the impacts on riparian forests, portions of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Disturbance and dynamics of riparian forests in southwestern Oregon Author: Messier, Michael S. Fire exclusion has been associated with structural and compositional changes in many upland forests of the western United States, but little is known about the impacts on riparian forests, portions of the landscape protected for habitat and water quality. For this study, I characterized the historic disturbance and tree recruitment processes of riparian forests in southwestern Oregon. I identified the ways in which riparian forest structure and composition have changed over the past 100 to 150 years, with a particular focus on the effects of fire exclusion. I used dendro-ecological methods to analyze tree ring data collected in riparian forest stands of two vegetation types in the Rogue River basin of southwestern Oregon: the mesic 'Mixed Conifer' zone (Pinus-Pseudotsuga-Calocedrus-Abies) and the more xeric 'Interior Valley' zone (Pinus-Quercus-Pseudotsuga). My results suggest riparian forests in both vegetation zones developed with frequent disturbance by fire and that, since fire has been excluded, these forests have entered a new successional trajectory. In the Mixed Conifer zone, tree recruitment in the pre-settlement period appears to have been driven by the interaction between climatic fluctuations and mixed-severity fires, which historically maintained multi-aged stands of shade-intolerant species. Patches of highseverity fire within the mixed-severity matrix created large canopy gaps (>30 m in diameter) in which new cohorts of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) could establish within existing stands and perpetuate Douglas-fir overstory dominance. Tree recruitment appears to have been closely linked Since fire exclusion became effective, there has been an increase in tree density and a shift toward the establishment of white fir (Abies concolor), a fire-sensitive, shade-tolerant species. In the Interior Valley zone, riparian forests were most likely shaped by a low-severity fire regime. Frequent fires likely killed most tree seedlings and maintained open savannas or woodlands with shade-intolerant hardwoods and scattered, open-grown conifers. Fire exclusion in the Interior Valley zone has resulted in exceptionally high survival rates in Douglas-fir recruited during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This led to the establishment of a closed-canopy conifer forest with fewer shade-intolerant hardwoods, which are an important source of food and habitat for wildlife. My findings suggest future management guidelines for riparian forests in fire-prone forests of the Pacific Northwest should consider the substantial and potentially undesirable ecological effects of the current hands-off management policy in riparian forests. Future proposals to attempt restoration of pre-settlement forest structure and composition in upland forests should also consider including restoration treatments within adjoining riparian forests. Title: Disturbance and dynamics of riparian forests in southwestern Oregon Author: Messier, Michael S. Fire exclusion has been associated with structural and compositional changes in many upland forests of the western United States, but little is known about the impacts on riparian forests, portions of the landscape protected for habitat and water quality. For this study, I characterized the historic disturbance and tree recruitment processes of riparian forests in southwestern Oregon. I identified the ways in which riparian forest structure and composition have changed over the past 100 to 150 years, with a particular focus on the effects of fire exclusion. I used dendro-ecological methods to analyze tree ring data collected in riparian forest stands of two vegetation types in the Rogue River basin of southwestern Oregon: the mesic 'Mixed Conifer' zone (Pinus-Pseudotsuga-Calocedrus-Abies) and the more xeric 'Interior Valley' zone (Pinus-Quercus-Pseudotsuga). My results suggest riparian forests in both vegetation zones developed with frequent disturbance by fire and that, since fire has been excluded, these forests have entered a new successional trajectory. In the Mixed Conifer zone, tree recruitment in the pre-settlement period appears to have been driven by the interaction between climatic fluctuations and mixed-severity fires, which historically maintained multi-aged stands of shade-intolerant species. Patches of highseverity fire within the mixed-severity matrix created large canopy gaps (>30 m in diameter) in which new cohorts of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) could establish within existing stands and perpetuate Douglas-fir overstory dominance. Tree recruitment appears to have been closely linked Since fire exclusion became effective, there has been an increase in tree density and a shift toward the establishment of white fir (Abies concolor), a fire-sensitive, shade-tolerant species. In the Interior Valley zone, riparian forests were most likely shaped by a low-severity fire regime. Frequent fires likely killed most tree seedlings and maintained open savannas or woodlands with shade-intolerant hardwoods and scattered, open-grown conifers. Fire exclusion in the Interior Valley zone has resulted in exceptionally high survival rates in Douglas-fir recruited during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This led to the establishment of a closed-canopy conifer forest with fewer shade-intolerant hardwoods, which are an important source of food and habitat for wildlife. My findings suggest future management guidelines for riparian forests in fire-prone forests of the Pacific Northwest should consider the substantial and potentially undesirable ecological effects of the current hands-off management policy in riparian forests. Future proposals to attempt restoration of pre-settlement forest structure and composition in upland forests should also consider including restoration treatments within adjoining riparian forests. Close

• 3. [Article] Comparative hazard assessment for protected species in a fire-prone landscape

  This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparative hazard assessment for protected species in a fire-prone landscape Author: Mealey, Stephen P., Roloff, Gary J., Bailey, John D. This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. Title: Comparative hazard assessment for protected species in a fire-prone landscape Author: Mealey, Stephen P., Roloff, Gary J., Bailey, John D. This is the author's peer-reviewed final manuscript, as accepted by the publisher. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. Close

• 4. [Article] CEO 1 ; An Illustrated Guide to Fire in Central Oregon Forests

  This pictorial guide is primarily intended to serve as a backdrop for field tours of central Oregon that involve topics surrounding wildland fire. It also is designed to provide an overview of the role ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: CEO 1 ; An Illustrated Guide to Fire in Central Oregon Forests Author: Tappeiner, J. C. (John C.), Eckert, Bradley E., Walstad, John D., Oregon State University. Forest Research Laboratory This pictorial guide is primarily intended to serve as a backdrop for field tours of central Oregon that involve topics surrounding wildland fire. It also is designed to provide an overview of the role of fire in the major ecosystems characteristic of this region. Topics covered include fire history, fire regimes, current fire conditions, fire behavior, fire threats to natural resources, fuel treatments, interactions with the public, and future challenges and management options. A list of key references and glossary are also included. Title: CEO 1 ; An Illustrated Guide to Fire in Central Oregon Forests Author: Tappeiner, J. C. (John C.), Eckert, Bradley E., Walstad, John D., Oregon State University. Forest Research Laboratory This pictorial guide is primarily intended to serve as a backdrop for field tours of central Oregon that involve topics surrounding wildland fire. It also is designed to provide an overview of the role of fire in the major ecosystems characteristic of this region. Topics covered include fire history, fire regimes, current fire conditions, fire behavior, fire threats to natural resources, fuel treatments, interactions with the public, and future challenges and management options. A list of key references and glossary are also included. Close

• 5. [Article] The Schultz Fire : an interdisciplinary perspective on its history, management, and ecological effects

  This thesis examines the Schultz Fire as a case study to explain the complex history of fire suppression management in America’s forests, and to gain further understanding of how management practices have ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Schultz Fire : an interdisciplinary perspective on its history, management, and ecological effects Author: Ranseen, Susanne N. This thesis examines the Schultz Fire as a case study to explain the complex history of fire suppression management in America’s forests, and to gain further understanding of how management practices have affected the increase in fire severity levels and how forests respond to such a disturbance. The thesis objectives were: (1) to analyze the causes of the fire severity of the Schultz Fire, especially: topography, fuels, or weather; (2); to examine the possible correlation between fire severity and tree density; (3) to investigate whether post-fire species richness was related to fire severity two years after the Schultz Fire; (4) to investigate whether post-fire plant species richness, plant cover, and tree regeneration was related to fire severity two years after the Schultz Fire; and (5) to interlink and convey how these factors relate to the history of fire management and policy and public perception. The history of fire related policy and management has significantly changed the dynamics of America's national parks and forests. Understanding the larger context of this history, both of national fire management and of the effects of language and perception on policy and public reaction, is part of understanding the Schultz Fire as a whole. Based on modeling, high winds combined with the presence of high surface fuel load were the main causes of the Schultz Fire's high fire severity levels. As fire severity increased there was a statistically significant increase in species richness. Severity level had little variation on percentage of cover by plants. No statistically significant relationship between tree density and fire severity levels was found. These findings underline the need for fuel treatments in southwest Ponderosa Pine forests, and effective cooperation between communities, managers, and ecologists. The Schultz Fire serves as an example in understanding the intricacies of how history affects the present and future of fire management. How fire has been managed and portrayed in the past has left an indelible mark on how fire is presently viewed. Without a clear understanding of the history of fire management and the role of fire in the ecology, future policies towards fire will be unable to account for and manage for the diversity of ecosystems and fires effects on those ecosystems across the United States. Title: The Schultz Fire : an interdisciplinary perspective on its history, management, and ecological effects Author: Ranseen, Susanne N. This thesis examines the Schultz Fire as a case study to explain the complex history of fire suppression management in America’s forests, and to gain further understanding of how management practices have affected the increase in fire severity levels and how forests respond to such a disturbance. The thesis objectives were: (1) to analyze the causes of the fire severity of the Schultz Fire, especially: topography, fuels, or weather; (2); to examine the possible correlation between fire severity and tree density; (3) to investigate whether post-fire species richness was related to fire severity two years after the Schultz Fire; (4) to investigate whether post-fire plant species richness, plant cover, and tree regeneration was related to fire severity two years after the Schultz Fire; and (5) to interlink and convey how these factors relate to the history of fire management and policy and public perception. The history of fire related policy and management has significantly changed the dynamics of America's national parks and forests. Understanding the larger context of this history, both of national fire management and of the effects of language and perception on policy and public reaction, is part of understanding the Schultz Fire as a whole. Based on modeling, high winds combined with the presence of high surface fuel load were the main causes of the Schultz Fire's high fire severity levels. As fire severity increased there was a statistically significant increase in species richness. Severity level had little variation on percentage of cover by plants. No statistically significant relationship between tree density and fire severity levels was found. These findings underline the need for fuel treatments in southwest Ponderosa Pine forests, and effective cooperation between communities, managers, and ecologists. The Schultz Fire serves as an example in understanding the intricacies of how history affects the present and future of fire management. How fire has been managed and portrayed in the past has left an indelible mark on how fire is presently viewed. Without a clear understanding of the history of fire management and the role of fire in the ecology, future policies towards fire will be unable to account for and manage for the diversity of ecosystems and fires effects on those ecosystems across the United States. Close

• 6. [Article] Report of the forest fuels and hazard mitigation committee to the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Fire Program Review

  Many Oregon communities face serious and growing risks from wildfires. These fires are increasingly large and severe after many decades of fire suppression and land use changes, flammable fuel buildups ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Report of the forest fuels and hazard mitigation committee to the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Fire Program Review Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Behan, Jeff, Lynn, Kathy Many Oregon communities face serious and growing risks from wildfires. These fires are increasingly large and severe after many decades of fire suppression and land use changes, flammable fuel buildups and interactions with climate. The wildland-urban interface (WUI) continues to expand as people relocate to rural areas where they often expect structural fire protection similar to what they experienced in cities. But conditions are different in rural communities located in fire-prone forests. The risk of severe wildfire is greater and limited resources are available to deal with severe fires when they break out. Fire prevention and suppression without vegetation management to reduce accumulated fuels has and will result in a continuation of uncharacteristically severe, stand-replacing wildfires, particularly in eastern and southwestern Oregon. These fires are difficult and expensive to control. They also place firefighters at high risk. Federal, state and rural fire protection agencies are struggling to cope as wildfire threats, costs, and the scope of protection responsibilities continue to increase. Federal agencies have initiated efforts to reduce hazardous fuels and increase community wildfire readiness as directed by the 2000 National Fire Plan (NFP) and 2003 Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA). These mandates are now being implemented at multiple levels with every effort to coordinate for greater efficiency. As part of the 2004 Oregon Fire Program Review, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) formed the Forest Fuels and Hazard Mitigation (FFHM) Committee to assess hazardous fuel loading issues, and recommend ways to reduce risk, and improve and strengthen the multiple hazard mitigation strategies in Oregon. Title: Report of the forest fuels and hazard mitigation committee to the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Fire Program Review Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Behan, Jeff, Lynn, Kathy Many Oregon communities face serious and growing risks from wildfires. These fires are increasingly large and severe after many decades of fire suppression and land use changes, flammable fuel buildups and interactions with climate. The wildland-urban interface (WUI) continues to expand as people relocate to rural areas where they often expect structural fire protection similar to what they experienced in cities. But conditions are different in rural communities located in fire-prone forests. The risk of severe wildfire is greater and limited resources are available to deal with severe fires when they break out. Fire prevention and suppression without vegetation management to reduce accumulated fuels has and will result in a continuation of uncharacteristically severe, stand-replacing wildfires, particularly in eastern and southwestern Oregon. These fires are difficult and expensive to control. They also place firefighters at high risk. Federal, state and rural fire protection agencies are struggling to cope as wildfire threats, costs, and the scope of protection responsibilities continue to increase. Federal agencies have initiated efforts to reduce hazardous fuels and increase community wildfire readiness as directed by the 2000 National Fire Plan (NFP) and 2003 Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA). These mandates are now being implemented at multiple levels with every effort to coordinate for greater efficiency. As part of the 2004 Oregon Fire Program Review, the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) formed the Forest Fuels and Hazard Mitigation (FFHM) Committee to assess hazardous fuel loading issues, and recommend ways to reduce risk, and improve and strengthen the multiple hazard mitigation strategies in Oregon. Close

• 7. [Article] The impact of climate change on California’s ecosystem services

  To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The impact of climate change on California’s ecosystem services Author: Lenihan, James, MacKenzie, Jason, Klausmeyer, Kirk, Shaw, M. Rebecca, Cameron, D. Richard, Bratman, Gregrory N., Morris, Belinda, Daly, Christopher, Haunreiter, Erik, Pendleton, Linwood, Bachelet, Dominique, Conklin, David R., Roehrdanz, Patrick R. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springer.com/?SGWID=0-102-0-0-0 Title: The impact of climate change on California’s ecosystem services Author: Lenihan, James, MacKenzie, Jason, Klausmeyer, Kirk, Shaw, M. Rebecca, Cameron, D. Richard, Bratman, Gregrory N., Morris, Belinda, Daly, Christopher, Haunreiter, Erik, Pendleton, Linwood, Bachelet, Dominique, Conklin, David R., Roehrdanz, Patrick R. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Springer and can be found at: http://www.springer.com/?SGWID=0-102-0-0-0 Close

• 8. [Article] Final report: Restoration of Fender’s blue butterfly and its prairie ecosystem: Management applications of fire to Baskett Slough NWR

  We tested the recolonization ability of the Fender’s blue butterfly and monitored the vegetation response to a management-scale prescribed fire at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, western Oregon. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final report: Restoration of Fender’s blue butterfly and its prairie ecosystem: Management applications of fire to Baskett Slough NWR Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- We tested the recolonization ability of the Fender’s blue butterfly and monitored the vegetation response to a management-scale prescribed fire at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, western Oregon. The prescribed fire successfully cut shrub cover in half, but also reduced the size of Festuca roemeri, a dominant native grass. Although the fire killed all Fender’s blue butterfly larvae, as expected, adult females were able to recolonize the burned area from a nearby, unburned patch. These results support predictions that the Fender’s blue butterfly can recolonize burned areas for a distance of at least 100 m. Title: Final report: Restoration of Fender’s blue butterfly and its prairie ecosystem: Management applications of fire to Baskett Slough NWR Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- We tested the recolonization ability of the Fender’s blue butterfly and monitored the vegetation response to a management-scale prescribed fire at the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, western Oregon. The prescribed fire successfully cut shrub cover in half, but also reduced the size of Festuca roemeri, a dominant native grass. Although the fire killed all Fender’s blue butterfly larvae, as expected, adult females were able to recolonize the burned area from a nearby, unburned patch. These results support predictions that the Fender’s blue butterfly can recolonize burned areas for a distance of at least 100 m. Close

• 9. [Article] Bridging the worlds of fire managers and researchers : lessons and opportunities from the wildland fire workshops

  In March and April of 2003, over 250 managers, researchers, and other participants gathered for a series of workshops at Oregon State University, the University of Arizona, and Colorado State University, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Bridging the worlds of fire managers and researchers : lessons and opportunities from the wildland fire workshops Author: White, Seth M. In March and April of 2003, over 250 managers, researchers, and other participants gathered for a series of workshops at Oregon State University, the University of Arizona, and Colorado State University, near the largest wildfires of 2002. In response to the need for better understanding of large fires, the Wildland Fire Workshops were designed to create an atmosphere for quality interactions between managers and researchers and to accomplish the following objectives: (1) create a prioritized list of recommendations for future wildland fire research; (2) identify the characteristics of effective partnerships; (3) identify types of effective information, tools, and processes; and (4) evaluate the workshops as a potential blueprint for similar workshops in other regions. Through a series of professionally facilitated workshops, participants worked toward speaking with one voice about many key issues. Although differences emerged among individuals, disciplines, and geographic locations, many common themes emerged. Participants suggested that research should be framed in the larger picture of fire ecology and ecosystem restoration, be interdisciplinary, be attentive to the effects of fire at different scales over the landscape and through time, and be focused on social issues. Effective partnerships occur when direct interaction takes place between people at multiple stages, adequate time is allowed for partnership building, partners are rewarded and held accountable for their roles, and when dedicated individuals are identified and cultivated. Participants identified effective information, tools, and processes as those that are adequately and consistently funded, user-friendly, interactive between people at multiple levels, and often championed by key, dedicated individuals. A survey of participants at the final meeting in Colorado revealed that the workshops did in fact create an atmosphere for positive interactions between managers and researchers, and that with some refinements, similar workshops could be carried out in other regions with productive results. Title: Bridging the worlds of fire managers and researchers : lessons and opportunities from the wildland fire workshops Author: White, Seth M. In March and April of 2003, over 250 managers, researchers, and other participants gathered for a series of workshops at Oregon State University, the University of Arizona, and Colorado State University, near the largest wildfires of 2002. In response to the need for better understanding of large fires, the Wildland Fire Workshops were designed to create an atmosphere for quality interactions between managers and researchers and to accomplish the following objectives: (1) create a prioritized list of recommendations for future wildland fire research; (2) identify the characteristics of effective partnerships; (3) identify types of effective information, tools, and processes; and (4) evaluate the workshops as a potential blueprint for similar workshops in other regions. Through a series of professionally facilitated workshops, participants worked toward speaking with one voice about many key issues. Although differences emerged among individuals, disciplines, and geographic locations, many common themes emerged. Participants suggested that research should be framed in the larger picture of fire ecology and ecosystem restoration, be interdisciplinary, be attentive to the effects of fire at different scales over the landscape and through time, and be focused on social issues. Effective partnerships occur when direct interaction takes place between people at multiple stages, adequate time is allowed for partnership building, partners are rewarded and held accountable for their roles, and when dedicated individuals are identified and cultivated. Participants identified effective information, tools, and processes as those that are adequately and consistently funded, user-friendly, interactive between people at multiple levels, and often championed by key, dedicated individuals. A survey of participants at the final meeting in Colorado revealed that the workshops did in fact create an atmosphere for positive interactions between managers and researchers, and that with some refinements, similar workshops could be carried out in other regions with productive results. Close

• 10. [Article] Region-Wide Ecological Responses of Arid Wyoming Big Sagebrush Communities to Fuel Treatments

  To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Society ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Region-Wide Ecological Responses of Arid Wyoming Big Sagebrush Communities to Fuel Treatments Author: Doescher, Paul S., Shaff, Scott E., Lindgren, Andrew I., et al., Pyke, David A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Society for Range Management and can be found at: http://www.bioone.org/loi/rama. Title: Region-Wide Ecological Responses of Arid Wyoming Big Sagebrush Communities to Fuel Treatments Author: Doescher, Paul S., Shaff, Scott E., Lindgren, Andrew I., et al., Pyke, David A. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by the Society for Range Management and can be found at: http://www.bioone.org/loi/rama. Close

• 11. [Article] Fire effects on wetland prairie species: final report

  Project No. 14-48-0001-96749

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Fire effects on wetland prairie species: final report Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Project No. 14-48-0001-96749 Title: Fire effects on wetland prairie species: final report Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Project No. 14-48-0001-96749 Close

• 12. [Article] Recovering Lost Ground : Effects of Soil Burn Intensity on Nutrients and Ectomycorrhiza Communities of Ponderosa Pine Seedlings

  Fuel accumulation and climate shifts are predicted to increase the frequency of high-severity fires in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws) forests of central Oregon. The combustion of fuels ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recovering Lost Ground : Effects of Soil Burn Intensity on Nutrients and Ectomycorrhiza Communities of Ponderosa Pine Seedlings Author: Cowan, Ariel D. Fuel accumulation and climate shifts are predicted to increase the frequency of high-severity fires in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws) forests of central Oregon. The combustion of fuels containing large downed wood can result in intense soil heating, alteration of soil properties, and mortality of microbes. Previous studies show ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) improve ponderosa seedling establishment after fire but did not compare EMF communities at different levels of soil burn intensity in a field setting. For this study, soil burn intensity effects on nutrients and EMF communities were compared at Pringle Falls Experimental Forest, La Pine, Oregon. Twelve replicate sites were used, each with three treatments: high intensity soil burn (HB), low intensity soil burn (LB), and unburned control (UB). The combustion of downed logs stacked together, simulating a large downed log, was used to apply HB treatments. Broadcast burning of pre-existing ground fuels was used to apply LB treatments. Temperatures lethal to fungi were recorded at 0-cm, 5-cm, and 10-cm depths in HB soils and 0-cm depth in LB soils. Ponderosa pine seedlings planted post-burn were harvested after four months for EMF root tip analysis. We found: a) greater differences in soil nutrients in HB soils compared to LB and UB soils; b) no differences in EMF richness and diversity; c) weak differences in community composition based on relative abundance between UB and burn treatments; and d) EMF composition in HB and LB treatments correlated with low carbon and organic matter contents. These results confirm the combustion of large downed wood can alter the soil environment beneath it. However, an EMF community similar to LB soils recolonized HB soils within one growing season. We theorize that quick initiation of EMF communities is possible depending on the size of high burn patches, proximity of low and unburned soil, and survival of nearby hosts. The importance of incorporating mixed fire effects in fuel management practices will help to provide EMF refugia for ponderosa pine forest recovery and regeneration. Title: Recovering Lost Ground : Effects of Soil Burn Intensity on Nutrients and Ectomycorrhiza Communities of Ponderosa Pine Seedlings Author: Cowan, Ariel D. Fuel accumulation and climate shifts are predicted to increase the frequency of high-severity fires in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws) forests of central Oregon. The combustion of fuels containing large downed wood can result in intense soil heating, alteration of soil properties, and mortality of microbes. Previous studies show ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) improve ponderosa seedling establishment after fire but did not compare EMF communities at different levels of soil burn intensity in a field setting. For this study, soil burn intensity effects on nutrients and EMF communities were compared at Pringle Falls Experimental Forest, La Pine, Oregon. Twelve replicate sites were used, each with three treatments: high intensity soil burn (HB), low intensity soil burn (LB), and unburned control (UB). The combustion of downed logs stacked together, simulating a large downed log, was used to apply HB treatments. Broadcast burning of pre-existing ground fuels was used to apply LB treatments. Temperatures lethal to fungi were recorded at 0-cm, 5-cm, and 10-cm depths in HB soils and 0-cm depth in LB soils. Ponderosa pine seedlings planted post-burn were harvested after four months for EMF root tip analysis. We found: a) greater differences in soil nutrients in HB soils compared to LB and UB soils; b) no differences in EMF richness and diversity; c) weak differences in community composition based on relative abundance between UB and burn treatments; and d) EMF composition in HB and LB treatments correlated with low carbon and organic matter contents. These results confirm the combustion of large downed wood can alter the soil environment beneath it. However, an EMF community similar to LB soils recolonized HB soils within one growing season. We theorize that quick initiation of EMF communities is possible depending on the size of high burn patches, proximity of low and unburned soil, and survival of nearby hosts. The importance of incorporating mixed fire effects in fuel management practices will help to provide EMF refugia for ponderosa pine forest recovery and regeneration. Close

• 13. [Article] Effects of ungulate herbivory on aspen, cottonwood, and willow development under forest fuels treatment regimes

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. To the best of our knowledge, one ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Effects of ungulate herbivory on aspen, cottonwood, and willow development under forest fuels treatment regimes Author: Dick, Brian L., Endress, Bryan A., Boyd, Jennifer M., Parks, Catherine G., Wisdom, Michael J., Vavra, Martin, Naylor, Bridgett J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Title: Effects of ungulate herbivory on aspen, cottonwood, and willow development under forest fuels treatment regimes Author: Dick, Brian L., Endress, Bryan A., Boyd, Jennifer M., Parks, Catherine G., Wisdom, Michael J., Vavra, Martin, Naylor, Bridgett J. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/forest-ecology-and-management/. To the best of our knowledge, one or more authors of this paper were federal employees when contributing to this work. Close

• 14. [Article] Complexity of food web interactions in a large mammal system

  Food webs consist of a combination of bottom-up (resource-driven) and top-down (predator-driven) effects. The strength of these effects depends on the context in which they occur. I investigated food web ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Complexity of food web interactions in a large mammal system Author: Eisenberg, Cristina Food webs consist of a combination of bottom-up (resource-driven) and top-down (predator-driven) effects. The strength of these effects depends on the context in which they occur. I investigated food web (trophic) relationships between wolf (Canis lupus) predation, elk (Cervus elaphus) herbivory, aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux) recruitment, and fire. The study setting, in the central portion of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, spans the US/Canada border and encompasses Glacier National Park (GNP), Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park (WLNP), Alberta. I stratified my observations across three spatially distinct areas, the North Fork Valley, in the western portion of GNP; the Waterton Valley, in the eastern portion of WLNP; and the Saint Mary Valley, in the eastern portion of GNP. All valleys are elk winter range (low-lying grasslands with patches of aspen). The valleys have three different observed wolf population levels (Saint Mary: low; Waterton: moderate; North Fork: high), which represent three levels of long-term predation risk (the probability of an elk encountering a wolf). Ecological characteristics (e.g., climate, soils, elevation, plant associations) are comparable among valleys. Fire has occurred in 90% of the North Fork. My objective was to examine the relative influence of bottom-up (fire) and top-down (predation risk) factors and the context-dependence of these relationships via data gathered during a three-year time span. I found complex elk responses to bottom-up and top-down factors that could influence habitat use by elk. Pellet transect data demonstrated that elk exhibited the same risk reduction behavior at all wolf population levels, even at very low levels. Predation risk variables that provided impediments to detecting or escaping wolves had a similar and negative influence on occurrence of elk (pellet piles), regardless of wolf population density. Fire had a negative effect on elk density and a positive effect on wolf density (per scat piles) in aspen communities where a high wolf population existed. Aspen cover, which may be riskier than open grassland, also had a negative effect on elk density, except at very high wolf levels without fire. The risk of wolf predation alone did not drive elk behavior. Conversely, focal animal (elk vigilance behavior) data suggested a positive relationship between wolf population and elk vigilance. However, when I deconstructed vigilance, elk demonstrated complex, context-dependent adaptive behavior in response to the long-term risk of predation by wolves. Commonly identified drivers of elk vigilance (group size, impediments to wolf detection and escape) appeared to be important drivers at an intermediate level of long-term predation risk (e.g., Waterton). These drivers ceased to function in this manner when the long-term predation risk level increased (The North Fork). At high levels of long-term predation risk, vigilance was high, but not driven by these common factors. In some cases, the relationship between vigilance and risk factors was reversed (e.g., group size). And at a low level of long-term predation risk (Saint Mary), elk did not respond to these drivers of vigilance. When I measured aspen demography (browse, recruitment), browse was lower in the North Fork, where there was a high wolf population, suggesting a top-down effect. However, I found low aspen recruitment in the absence of fire in all valleys, which indicates a bottom-up effect in that aspen is highly fire-dependent. Top-down predictors of aspen recruitment (e.g., plot position and stand size, which are related to predation risk) had no effect on browse levels regardless of wolf population level. In sum, the risk of wolf predation alone did not drive the food web relationships I observed. Bottom-up and top-down forces worked together in valleys that contained well-established wolf populations, and to a lesser degree in a valley with a low wolf population. Commonly used measures of predation risk responses (e.g., vigilance) reversed their relationship as the wolf population increased. Low aspen recruitment in the absence of fire demonstrates the importance of bottom-up effects. Bottom-up and top-down effects may be important joint engineers of aspen communities. My findings invite deeper inquiry into the interaction between bottom-up and top-down effects in large mammal systems. Title: Complexity of food web interactions in a large mammal system Author: Eisenberg, Cristina Food webs consist of a combination of bottom-up (resource-driven) and top-down (predator-driven) effects. The strength of these effects depends on the context in which they occur. I investigated food web (trophic) relationships between wolf (Canis lupus) predation, elk (Cervus elaphus) herbivory, aspen (Populus tremuloides Michaux) recruitment, and fire. The study setting, in the central portion of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, spans the US/Canada border and encompasses Glacier National Park (GNP), Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park (WLNP), Alberta. I stratified my observations across three spatially distinct areas, the North Fork Valley, in the western portion of GNP; the Waterton Valley, in the eastern portion of WLNP; and the Saint Mary Valley, in the eastern portion of GNP. All valleys are elk winter range (low-lying grasslands with patches of aspen). The valleys have three different observed wolf population levels (Saint Mary: low; Waterton: moderate; North Fork: high), which represent three levels of long-term predation risk (the probability of an elk encountering a wolf). Ecological characteristics (e.g., climate, soils, elevation, plant associations) are comparable among valleys. Fire has occurred in 90% of the North Fork. My objective was to examine the relative influence of bottom-up (fire) and top-down (predation risk) factors and the context-dependence of these relationships via data gathered during a three-year time span. I found complex elk responses to bottom-up and top-down factors that could influence habitat use by elk. Pellet transect data demonstrated that elk exhibited the same risk reduction behavior at all wolf population levels, even at very low levels. Predation risk variables that provided impediments to detecting or escaping wolves had a similar and negative influence on occurrence of elk (pellet piles), regardless of wolf population density. Fire had a negative effect on elk density and a positive effect on wolf density (per scat piles) in aspen communities where a high wolf population existed. Aspen cover, which may be riskier than open grassland, also had a negative effect on elk density, except at very high wolf levels without fire. The risk of wolf predation alone did not drive elk behavior. Conversely, focal animal (elk vigilance behavior) data suggested a positive relationship between wolf population and elk vigilance. However, when I deconstructed vigilance, elk demonstrated complex, context-dependent adaptive behavior in response to the long-term risk of predation by wolves. Commonly identified drivers of elk vigilance (group size, impediments to wolf detection and escape) appeared to be important drivers at an intermediate level of long-term predation risk (e.g., Waterton). These drivers ceased to function in this manner when the long-term predation risk level increased (The North Fork). At high levels of long-term predation risk, vigilance was high, but not driven by these common factors. In some cases, the relationship between vigilance and risk factors was reversed (e.g., group size). And at a low level of long-term predation risk (Saint Mary), elk did not respond to these drivers of vigilance. When I measured aspen demography (browse, recruitment), browse was lower in the North Fork, where there was a high wolf population, suggesting a top-down effect. However, I found low aspen recruitment in the absence of fire in all valleys, which indicates a bottom-up effect in that aspen is highly fire-dependent. Top-down predictors of aspen recruitment (e.g., plot position and stand size, which are related to predation risk) had no effect on browse levels regardless of wolf population level. In sum, the risk of wolf predation alone did not drive the food web relationships I observed. Bottom-up and top-down forces worked together in valleys that contained well-established wolf populations, and to a lesser degree in a valley with a low wolf population. Commonly used measures of predation risk responses (e.g., vigilance) reversed their relationship as the wolf population increased. Low aspen recruitment in the absence of fire demonstrates the importance of bottom-up effects. Bottom-up and top-down effects may be important joint engineers of aspen communities. My findings invite deeper inquiry into the interaction between bottom-up and top-down effects in large mammal systems. Close

• 15. [Article] Recommendations for Control of Tall Oatgrass, Poison Oak, and Rose in Willamette Valley Upland Prairies

  Native upland prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems. Even though only remnants remain today, they harbor many rare ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Recommendations for Control of Tall Oatgrass, Poison Oak, and Rose in Willamette Valley Upland Prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native upland prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems. Even though only remnants remain today, they harbor many rare and endangered species such as the Fender's blue butterfly and its host plant, Kincaid’s lupine. Invasion of remnant prairies by woody plants and weedy non-native herbaceous species is of great concern to agencies and managers responsible for conserving these native ecosystems. Available methods for the control of these pests include herbicides, biological control, prescribed burning, and mowing. This report first reviews the literature on the control of tall oatgrass and the shrubs poison oak and rose. Each of these species is an important threat to Willamette Valley upland prairies. We then presents recommendations. For control of tall oatgrass, we recommend for most situations mowing in late spring or early summer. Mowing height should be just above most of the foliage of native plants to be protected (typically 10 cm - 15 cm). In areas with Kincaid’s lupine and Fender’s blue butterfly, mowing should be delayed until July, after the flowering and flight seasons. For control of prairie shrubs, we recommend further studies to evaluate herbicide effectiveness against the target shrubs and safety for non-target native plants and animals. If herbicide use is unavailable, we recommend burning or mowing. All burning or mowing treatments should be repeated, perhaps indefinitely, to maintain pest plant control. Title: Recommendations for Control of Tall Oatgrass, Poison Oak, and Rose in Willamette Valley Upland Prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native upland prairies, which once dominated the landscape of the Willamette Valley, are considered among the rarest of Oregon's ecosystems. Even though only remnants remain today, they harbor many rare and endangered species such as the Fender's blue butterfly and its host plant, Kincaid’s lupine. Invasion of remnant prairies by woody plants and weedy non-native herbaceous species is of great concern to agencies and managers responsible for conserving these native ecosystems. Available methods for the control of these pests include herbicides, biological control, prescribed burning, and mowing. This report first reviews the literature on the control of tall oatgrass and the shrubs poison oak and rose. Each of these species is an important threat to Willamette Valley upland prairies. We then presents recommendations. For control of tall oatgrass, we recommend for most situations mowing in late spring or early summer. Mowing height should be just above most of the foliage of native plants to be protected (typically 10 cm - 15 cm). In areas with Kincaid’s lupine and Fender’s blue butterfly, mowing should be delayed until July, after the flowering and flight seasons. For control of prairie shrubs, we recommend further studies to evaluate herbicide effectiveness against the target shrubs and safety for non-target native plants and animals. If herbicide use is unavailable, we recommend burning or mowing. All burning or mowing treatments should be repeated, perhaps indefinitely, to maintain pest plant control. Close

• 16. [Article] Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-1999

  Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-1999 Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining Willamette Valley prairies for at least 1000 years, prescribed burning is a top choice of managers for preventing encroachment of woody species. However, the effects of prescribed burning on present day wetland prairie communities, with their mix of native and non-native species, are not clear. Moreover, because strict governmental requirements for smoke management hinder prescribed burning, natural-area managers are considering alternatives to fire, like mowing and hand removal of woody plants. The present study explored the ecological interactions of a wetland prairie by experimentally testing the responses of burning, hand-removal of woody species, and mowing with removal of cut material on woody plants and key native and non-native grasses and forbs. We evaluated these perturbations for their effectiveness in meeting management objectives of reducing abundance of woody species, reducing or preventing an increase in abundance of nonnative pest species, and increasing or at least maintaining native species’ abundance. After three treatments periods (1994, 1996, and 1998) the following patterns emerged: • Woody species Burning and hand-removal consistently caused the greatest reduction in cover of woody species. Mowing with removal of cut material did not reduce the abundance of woody species compared to the control. As woody plant cover decreased, plant mortality increased, indicating that treatments influenced woody plant cover at least partially through changes in survival. • Native herbaceous species All management treatments consistently failed to significantly increase the cover of Deschampsia cespitosa, while burning decreased the number of inflorescences. As a group, native graminoid flowering consistently showed no significant responses to the management treatments. Although burning and hand-removal significantly increased the cover of native forbs as group after the second treatment period in 1997, native forbs showed no significant responses to treatments in 1999. • Non-native herbaceous species Response of non-native forb cover to management treatments has been inconsistent during the five year study period with no significant differences in 1995, significant reductions by burning and hand-removal in 1997, and increases with mowing in 1997. Mowing consistently increased flowering of nonnative graminoids as a group. Overall no treatment was clearly superior in fulfilling restoration objectives. Burning was effective in reducing woody cover and did not promote non-native herbaceous, but it reduced the flowering the dominant native grass, Deschampsia cespitosa. Hand-removal woody species was also effective at reducing woody cover and sometimes promoted the abundance of some native species at different times, but it also at times promoted non-native herbaceous species. Because mowing with removal of cut material was ineffective in reducing woody cover and tended to promote non-native herbaceous species, this treatment is not a recommended management strategy. Title: Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-1999 Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining Willamette Valley prairies for at least 1000 years, prescribed burning is a top choice of managers for preventing encroachment of woody species. However, the effects of prescribed burning on present day wetland prairie communities, with their mix of native and non-native species, are not clear. Moreover, because strict governmental requirements for smoke management hinder prescribed burning, natural-area managers are considering alternatives to fire, like mowing and hand removal of woody plants. The present study explored the ecological interactions of a wetland prairie by experimentally testing the responses of burning, hand-removal of woody species, and mowing with removal of cut material on woody plants and key native and non-native grasses and forbs. We evaluated these perturbations for their effectiveness in meeting management objectives of reducing abundance of woody species, reducing or preventing an increase in abundance of nonnative pest species, and increasing or at least maintaining native species’ abundance. After three treatments periods (1994, 1996, and 1998) the following patterns emerged: • Woody species Burning and hand-removal consistently caused the greatest reduction in cover of woody species. Mowing with removal of cut material did not reduce the abundance of woody species compared to the control. As woody plant cover decreased, plant mortality increased, indicating that treatments influenced woody plant cover at least partially through changes in survival. • Native herbaceous species All management treatments consistently failed to significantly increase the cover of Deschampsia cespitosa, while burning decreased the number of inflorescences. As a group, native graminoid flowering consistently showed no significant responses to the management treatments. Although burning and hand-removal significantly increased the cover of native forbs as group after the second treatment period in 1997, native forbs showed no significant responses to treatments in 1999. • Non-native herbaceous species Response of non-native forb cover to management treatments has been inconsistent during the five year study period with no significant differences in 1995, significant reductions by burning and hand-removal in 1997, and increases with mowing in 1997. Mowing consistently increased flowering of nonnative graminoids as a group. Overall no treatment was clearly superior in fulfilling restoration objectives. Burning was effective in reducing woody cover and did not promote non-native herbaceous, but it reduced the flowering the dominant native grass, Deschampsia cespitosa. Hand-removal woody species was also effective at reducing woody cover and sometimes promoted the abundance of some native species at different times, but it also at times promoted non-native herbaceous species. Because mowing with removal of cut material was ineffective in reducing woody cover and tended to promote non-native herbaceous species, this treatment is not a recommended management strategy. Close

• 17. [Article] Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-2001

  Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-2001 Author: Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining Willamette Valley prairies for at least 1000 years, prescribed burning is a top choice of managers for preventing encroachment of woody species. However, the effects of prescribed burning on present day wetland prairie communities, with their mix of native and non-native species, are not clear. Moreover, because strict governmental requirements for smoke management hinder prescribed burning, natural-area managers are considering alternatives to fire, like mowing and hand-removal of woody plants. The present study explored the ecological interactions of a wetland prairie by experimentally testing the responses of burning, hand-removal of woody species, and mowing with removal of cut material on woody plants and key native and non-native grasses and forbs. We evaluated these perturbations for their effectiveness in meeting management objectives of reducing abundance of woody species, reducing or preventing an increase in abundance of nonnative pest species, and increasing or at least maintaining native species’ abundance. After four treatments periods (1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000) the following patterns emerged: • Woody species Burning and hand-removal of woody plants every two years consistently decreased the cover of woody species, even with a gradual increase in the controls to over double 1994 levels. The change in woody cover after mowing with removal of cut material was not significantly different from that in the control. As woody plant cover decreased, plant mortality increased, indicating that treatments influenced woody plant cover at least partially through changes in survival. • Native herbaceous species None of the treatments had a significant effect after four treatment periods on the proportional change in cover or in number of inflorescences of Deschampsia cespitosa, although the change in number of inflorescences was consistently less than that in the control, including a significant decrease with burning in 1997. As a group, native graminoid species showed no significant differences in flowering response to treatments during any of the four treatment periods. However, burning and mowing consistently promoted flowering of Juncus tenuis. The cover of native forbs as a group was not significantly different from that of the control, with the exception of 1997, where cover increased with burning and hand-removal. Even though native forbs as a group have generally not shown significant differences, individual native forb species have shown positive responses to treatments: Sidalcea cusickii, spp. purpurea, Eriophyllum lanatum, and Sisyrinchium idahoensis. • Non-native herbaceous species Both hand-removal and mowing promoted flowering of non-native graminoids as a group. In contrast, burning maintained levels of flowering of non-native graminoids similar to that of the controls. Cover of non-native forbs as a group showed no significant treatment differences except for 1997, in which significant reductions in cover occurred after burning and hand-removal. The results to date show that prescribed burning is the best option of the three tested management treatments for achieving the restoration goals for native wetland prairies. Because mowing with removal of cut material was ineffective in reducing woody cover and tended to promote non-native herbaceous species, this treatment should be avoided. Title: Controlling woody vegetation in wetland prairies, 1994-2001 Author: Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Wetland prairies of the Willamette Valley, among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems, are threatened by invasion of woody species and non-native pest species. Because fire has been important in maintaining Willamette Valley prairies for at least 1000 years, prescribed burning is a top choice of managers for preventing encroachment of woody species. However, the effects of prescribed burning on present day wetland prairie communities, with their mix of native and non-native species, are not clear. Moreover, because strict governmental requirements for smoke management hinder prescribed burning, natural-area managers are considering alternatives to fire, like mowing and hand-removal of woody plants. The present study explored the ecological interactions of a wetland prairie by experimentally testing the responses of burning, hand-removal of woody species, and mowing with removal of cut material on woody plants and key native and non-native grasses and forbs. We evaluated these perturbations for their effectiveness in meeting management objectives of reducing abundance of woody species, reducing or preventing an increase in abundance of nonnative pest species, and increasing or at least maintaining native species’ abundance. After four treatments periods (1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000) the following patterns emerged: • Woody species Burning and hand-removal of woody plants every two years consistently decreased the cover of woody species, even with a gradual increase in the controls to over double 1994 levels. The change in woody cover after mowing with removal of cut material was not significantly different from that in the control. As woody plant cover decreased, plant mortality increased, indicating that treatments influenced woody plant cover at least partially through changes in survival. • Native herbaceous species None of the treatments had a significant effect after four treatment periods on the proportional change in cover or in number of inflorescences of Deschampsia cespitosa, although the change in number of inflorescences was consistently less than that in the control, including a significant decrease with burning in 1997. As a group, native graminoid species showed no significant differences in flowering response to treatments during any of the four treatment periods. However, burning and mowing consistently promoted flowering of Juncus tenuis. The cover of native forbs as a group was not significantly different from that of the control, with the exception of 1997, where cover increased with burning and hand-removal. Even though native forbs as a group have generally not shown significant differences, individual native forb species have shown positive responses to treatments: Sidalcea cusickii, spp. purpurea, Eriophyllum lanatum, and Sisyrinchium idahoensis. • Non-native herbaceous species Both hand-removal and mowing promoted flowering of non-native graminoids as a group. In contrast, burning maintained levels of flowering of non-native graminoids similar to that of the controls. Cover of non-native forbs as a group showed no significant treatment differences except for 1997, in which significant reductions in cover occurred after burning and hand-removal. The results to date show that prescribed burning is the best option of the three tested management treatments for achieving the restoration goals for native wetland prairies. Because mowing with removal of cut material was ineffective in reducing woody cover and tended to promote non-native herbaceous species, this treatment should be avoided. Close

• 18. [Article] Comparing Ectomycorrhizal Communities of Understory Giant Chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) and Overstory Pinaceae Trees in a Mixed Conifer Forest in Central Oregon

  Giant chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) is an evergreen hardwood often found as a shrubby understory component of coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest United States. Due to its ability to sprout ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Comparing Ectomycorrhizal Communities of Understory Giant Chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) and Overstory Pinaceae Trees in a Mixed Conifer Forest in Central Oregon Author: Longway, Lucas J. Giant chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) is an evergreen hardwood often found as a shrubby understory component of coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest United States. Due to its ability to sprout quickly after disturbances such as fire and logging it is often viewed as a pest by forest managers. Like its associated overstory conifers, giant chinquapin forms ectomycorrhizae. However, the ectomycorrhizal fungus communities associated with giant chinquapin found in the Pacific Northwest have not been investigated. To further explore giant chinquapin's ecological roles in central Oregon's forests we compare ectomycorrhizal communities associated with giant chinquapin and co-occurring overstory Pinaceae trees in the Pringle Falls Experimental Forest, central Oregon. Ectomycorrhizal communities of Pinaceae trees had a greater taxa richness than those found associated with giant chinquapin. However, 57% (8 of 14) of the taxa found in 31% (5/16) of study areas on Pinaceae trees were found associated with giant chinquapin. Four taxa (Cenococcum geophilum 1 & 2, Piloderma 2, Byssoccorticium 1), likely important for host water and nutrient access, were found in 31% of study areas associated with both chinquapin and Pinaceae hosts. Sixty-four percent (23 of 36) of the ectomycorrhizal taxa found on giant chinquapin associated with Pinaceae trees and every genus associated with giant chinquapin in our study has been reported to form ectomycorrhizae with Pinaceae trees in this or other studies. Based on these results, it is likely that giant chinquapin is supporting a subset of the ectomycorrhizal community associated with Pinaceae hosts. Giant chinquapin, with its ability to quickly sprout after disturbance, could be beneficial to local conifer seedlings as a source of ectomycorrhizal innoculum should overstory conifers decrease as a a result of a stand replacing disturbance. Title: Comparing Ectomycorrhizal Communities of Understory Giant Chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) and Overstory Pinaceae Trees in a Mixed Conifer Forest in Central Oregon Author: Longway, Lucas J. Giant chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) is an evergreen hardwood often found as a shrubby understory component of coniferous forests in the Pacific Northwest United States. Due to its ability to sprout quickly after disturbances such as fire and logging it is often viewed as a pest by forest managers. Like its associated overstory conifers, giant chinquapin forms ectomycorrhizae. However, the ectomycorrhizal fungus communities associated with giant chinquapin found in the Pacific Northwest have not been investigated. To further explore giant chinquapin's ecological roles in central Oregon's forests we compare ectomycorrhizal communities associated with giant chinquapin and co-occurring overstory Pinaceae trees in the Pringle Falls Experimental Forest, central Oregon. Ectomycorrhizal communities of Pinaceae trees had a greater taxa richness than those found associated with giant chinquapin. However, 57% (8 of 14) of the taxa found in 31% (5/16) of study areas on Pinaceae trees were found associated with giant chinquapin. Four taxa (Cenococcum geophilum 1 & 2, Piloderma 2, Byssoccorticium 1), likely important for host water and nutrient access, were found in 31% of study areas associated with both chinquapin and Pinaceae hosts. Sixty-four percent (23 of 36) of the ectomycorrhizal taxa found on giant chinquapin associated with Pinaceae trees and every genus associated with giant chinquapin in our study has been reported to form ectomycorrhizae with Pinaceae trees in this or other studies. Based on these results, it is likely that giant chinquapin is supporting a subset of the ectomycorrhizal community associated with Pinaceae hosts. Giant chinquapin, with its ability to quickly sprout after disturbance, could be beneficial to local conifer seedlings as a source of ectomycorrhizal innoculum should overstory conifers decrease as a a result of a stand replacing disturbance. Close

• 19. [Article] Promoting regeneration of native species In Willamette Valley upland prairies

  Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Promoting regeneration of native species In Willamette Valley upland prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species are urgently needed, particularly those strategies that promote the regeneration of native species from seed. The focus of this investigation was to address this need. The general approach was to sow seeds of native species into experimental field plots, which had been burned once, burned repeatedly, mowed, or unmanaged at three sites at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Seedling numbers were then counted one growing season after sowing. To investigate mechanisms for the regeneration responses of species to management treatments, selected abiotic and biotic factors potentially important for seed regeneration were measured in the field plots. Seedling establishment rates in unmanaged plots were relatively small, averaging 9.7% for all three sites. Only one species, Danthonia californica, showed a positive response to the mowing treatment. Of the 13 species sowed in the burn plots, six species (Bromus carinatus, Elymus glacus, Festuca roemeri/rubra, Clarkia quadrivulera, Prunella vulgaris, Sidalcea campestris) had significant more seedlings in the burn plots compared to the unmanaged plots. Seedling establishment of two species, Danthonia californica and Potentilla gracilis, was significantly lower with burn treatments. The other five species showed no significant responses to the burn treatments: Carex tumicola, Calochortus tolmiei, Zygadensus venenosus, Balsamorhiza deltoidea, and Agoseris grandilflora. The strongest fire effects were generally in plots that had been burned only once, rather than plots burned more than once. Abundance of litter and vegetation were the factors that were most often related, both positively and negatively, with seedling establishment rates. Based on the results of this investigation, prescribed burning, rather than mowing, is a more viable management option to promote regeneration of native species from seed in upland prairies. However, prescribed burning must be used with caution as it can reduce seedling establishment rates for some species. Sowing seeds in unmanaged sites is an option, but sowing rates need to be high to compensate for the small seedling establishment rates in unmanaged prairies. Title: Promoting regeneration of native species In Willamette Valley upland prairies Author: Wilson, Mark V., Clark, Deborah Louise, 1950- Native prairies of the Willamette Valley are considered among the rarest of Oregon’s ecosystems and are in critical need of conservation. Management strategies for increasing the abundance of native species are urgently needed, particularly those strategies that promote the regeneration of native species from seed. The focus of this investigation was to address this need. The general approach was to sow seeds of native species into experimental field plots, which had been burned once, burned repeatedly, mowed, or unmanaged at three sites at Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge. Seedling numbers were then counted one growing season after sowing. To investigate mechanisms for the regeneration responses of species to management treatments, selected abiotic and biotic factors potentially important for seed regeneration were measured in the field plots. Seedling establishment rates in unmanaged plots were relatively small, averaging 9.7% for all three sites. Only one species, Danthonia californica, showed a positive response to the mowing treatment. Of the 13 species sowed in the burn plots, six species (Bromus carinatus, Elymus glacus, Festuca roemeri/rubra, Clarkia quadrivulera, Prunella vulgaris, Sidalcea campestris) had significant more seedlings in the burn plots compared to the unmanaged plots. Seedling establishment of two species, Danthonia californica and Potentilla gracilis, was significantly lower with burn treatments. The other five species showed no significant responses to the burn treatments: Carex tumicola, Calochortus tolmiei, Zygadensus venenosus, Balsamorhiza deltoidea, and Agoseris grandilflora. The strongest fire effects were generally in plots that had been burned only once, rather than plots burned more than once. Abundance of litter and vegetation were the factors that were most often related, both positively and negatively, with seedling establishment rates. Based on the results of this investigation, prescribed burning, rather than mowing, is a more viable management option to promote regeneration of native species from seed in upland prairies. However, prescribed burning must be used with caution as it can reduce seedling establishment rates for some species. Sowing seeds in unmanaged sites is an option, but sowing rates need to be high to compensate for the small seedling establishment rates in unmanaged prairies. Close

• 20. [Article] A Landsat time series approach to characterize bark beetle and defoliator impacts on tree mortality and surface fuels in conifer forests

  This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.elsevier.com/.

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Landsat time series approach to characterize bark beetle and defoliator impacts on tree mortality and surface fuels in conifer forests Author: Meigs, Garrett W., Cohen, Warren B., Kennedy, Robert E. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.elsevier.com/. Title: A Landsat time series approach to characterize bark beetle and defoliator impacts on tree mortality and surface fuels in conifer forests Author: Meigs, Garrett W., Cohen, Warren B., Kennedy, Robert E. This is the publisher’s final pdf. The published article is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.elsevier.com/. Close