The Historical Role of Fire on the Bitterroot National Forest
Document Type
Full Issue
Publication Date
12-1976
Volume
USDA Forest Service Research Paper INT-187
Abstract
Presents frequencies, intensities, and influences of fire on stand structure and composition on the Bitterroot National Forest in west-central Montana. Three study areas were established, each having a wide range of elevations and forest types. Findings are based upon study of nearly 900 individual fire scars on living trees, and on age-classes of shade-intolerant trees attributable to fire. During the period from 1600 to 1900 fires were frequent in most habitat types, and substantial amounts of forest survived most fires. Some high-intensity stand-destroying fires were also detected in certain habitat types on each study area. Results show that fire was historically a major force in stand development, but that is has been of minor significance during the past 50 years, possible because of organized fire suppression.
Recommended Citation
Arno, S. (1976). Historical role of fire on the Bitterroot National Forest. USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Research Paper INT-187, 29 pp
Comments
This item was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.