Oak Woodlands: The Importance of Prescribed Burns in Restoration
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Abstract:
Oak woodlands are declining throughout California, particularly in Humboldt County, due to the effects of fire suppression. Fire suppression is allowing competing vegetation, particularly conifers, to encroach upon oak woodland stands, eventually out competing them. Fire as a restoration tool is a very effective method of restoration to clear out the competing vegetation and restore health in these ecosystems. Due to public outcry and policy restricts prescribed burns are limited. From the creation of an education poster and complementary pamphlet we hope to bridge this knowledge gap and educate the general public and landowners about the benefits of prescribed burns in managing oak woodlands.
Problem Statement:
An estimated one third of California forests including oak woodlands have been lost since 1850 (Wayburn, 2002). Due to the loss of a natural fire regime, conifers have been encroaching upon oak woodlands and out-competing the naturally occurring oak species. Reintroduction of fire into oak woodland ecosystems would reduce the threat of encroachment and reduce fuel loads (Holmes, 2006). By increasing education for both landowners and the general public, fire as a restoration tool can be used to save oak woodlands.
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Course Code:
ENVS 410
Instructor:
Kevin Fingerman
Date:
fall 2013
Data:
existing