Fire-Silviculture Relationships in Sierra Forests
Document Type
Contribution to Book
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project: Final Report to Congress
Publication Date
1996
Volume
2
First Page
1167
Last Page
1176
Abstract
Many of the tools available for managing forested ecosystems lie within the disciplines of silviculture and fire management. These two sets of management practices, in fact, are commonly used in con- cert. Understanding the relationships between these two disciplines, therefore, can contribute to more intelligent ecosystem management. Silvicultural techniques mimic to varying degrees some of the distur- bance functions—such as facilitating establishment of regeneration and influencing forest structure and composition—performed natu- rally by fire. This chapter provides a brief overview of some of these relationships for a range of stand structures and fire regimes. Effects of partial cuttings on fire hazard also are discussed. Research is needed to clarify basic relationships between fire regimes and the dynamics and structures of stands and landscapes. Adaptive management experiments also should be undertaken to determine the practicability and long-term ecological consequences of a range of silvicultural and fire treatments.
Recommended Citation
Weatherspoon, C. (1996). Fire-silviculture relationships in Sierra forests, pp. 1167-1176 in Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project: Final report to Congress, vol. II, Assessments and scientific basis for management options. Davis: University of California, Centers for Water and Wildland Resources.
Comments
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