Prescribed fire in upland harwood forests

Abstract

In upland hardwood forests of the Southeastern U.S.,prescribed fire is increasingly used by land managers citing objectives that include hazardous fuels reduction, wildlife habitat improvement, promoting oak regeneration, or restoring forest composition or structure to an historic condition. Research suggests that prescribed fire effects on hardwood forests and associated wildlife vary depending on numerous factors, including heat and durtion, forest type, patchiness of fuel, past burning, topography, weather, and season. The appropriate use of prescribed fire as a silvicultural treatment in upland hardwood forests depends on the landowners' goals and objectives, and skill in its application.

Keywords

Prescribed Fire

Citation

Keyser, Tara L.; Greenberg, Ccthryn H.; McNab, Henry. 2014. Prescribed fire in upland harwood forests. Science update - 99. Asheville, NC: USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 2 p.