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Ponderosa Pine Site Prescribed Fire

Subject Areas Ponderosa Pine site prescribed fire The entire research area at the Ponderosa pine site was subjected to a prescribed fire in April 2004. The prescribed fire was a success in terms of achieving objectives of fuel management and reduction of regeneration.
  • The fire burned relatively consistently across the study area charring an average of 50% (+3.4%) of the ground surface.

  • At least 25% of the ground surface was burned on every macroplot.

  • Most trees were charred at the base to an average height of 2.2 m (0.6 - 4.5 m).

  • The fire consumed 65% of the available coarse fuel on the site.

  • Fuel loads of coarse woody debris dropped from 14.1 m3/ha to 5.0 m3/ha following the prescribed fire.

  • Forest floor LFH was reduced by 33% as a result of the burn.

  • Average LFH depth dropped from 1.8 cm to 1.2 cm.

Regen before fire Regen after fire

Matched site photos of 2004 prescribed fire. Before fire (left) and after fire (right). The photo pair clearly show the regeneration control that the fire provided.

The prescribed fire increased the frequency of exposed mineral soil by 40%. Greater bark char height as a result of the fire was positively correlated with more frequent mineral soil exposure.

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Last Modified: 2007 April 25. Ministry contact: Reg Newman.
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