Fire Research and Forest Management

Oak forests in eastern North America were shaped by fire. Over time, fire guided the species, size, and spacing of trees in these cherished ecosystems. In the last century, fire suppression and habitat loss have reduced the ability of these forests to withstand pests, diseases, and climate change. As a result, oak forests are slowly turning into maple forests. This shift has major impacts on both the ecology and economy of the region. Oak forests support a wider variety of wildlife than most other eastern forest types. Because oak trees need fire to regrow, foresters started prescribed burns in 2015. These burns take place in areas set for harvest in 2028 as shelterwoods or clearcuts. Scientists continue to study how fire affects vegetation, tree quality, and populations of birds, small mammals, and insects.

Key Papers:

• Stanis, S. and M.R. Saunders. 2018. Long-term overstory tree quality monitoring through multiple prescribed fires in eastern deciduous forests. In: Kirschman, Julia E., comp. 2018. Proceedings of the 19th biennial southern silvicultural research conference. e-Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-234. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station:355-362.