Fire Ecology of Rocky Mountain Forests

Authors

Sharon M. Hood, USDA Forest Service
Brian J. Harvey, University of Washington
Paula J. Fornwalt, USDA Forest Service
Cameron E. Naficy, Oregon State University
Winslow D. Hansen, Columbia University
Kimberley T. Davis, University of Montana
Mike A. Battaglia, USDA Forest Service
Camille S. Stevens-Rumann, Colorado State University
Victoria Ann Saab, USDA Forest Service

Document Type

Contribution to Book

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Fire Ecology and Management: Past, Present, and Future of US Forested Ecosystems

Volume

39

Publisher

Springer

First Page

287

Last Page

336

Publication Date

10-2-2021

Abstract

Fire is a dominant driver of ecosystem patterns and processes across the Rocky Mountains. This chapter describes fire ecology and fire-related management for the major forest types in the Rocky Mountains. Major forest types included are ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, mixed-conifer, lodgepole pine, spruce-fir, five-needle pines, and aspen. For each forest type we describe historical fire regimes, interactions between fire and other disturbances, departures from historical patterns, and projected future patterns. We explain fire resistance and postfire recovery patterns. We also include projected alterations to fire regimes and ecological implications due to climate change, with common silvicultural and fuel treatment options for restoration and wildfire mitigation. This information provides a comprehensive examination of contemporary fire ecology and management options in the Rocky Mountains, couched in a historical perspective.

Recommended Citation

Hood S.M. et al. (2021) Fire Ecology of Rocky Mountain Forests. In: Greenberg C.H., Collins B. (eds) Fire Ecology and Management: Past, Present, and Future of US Forested Ecosystems. Managing Forest Ecosystems, vol 39. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-73267-7_8