INFLUENCE OF FIRE SEASON AND FIRE BEHAVIOR ON WOODY PLANTS IN RED-COCKADEDWOODPECKER CLUSTERS

Abstract

The control of woody midstory vegetation in red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) clusters is a major concern throughout southeastern United States pine (Pinus spp.) forests. Prescribed fire and midstory thinning are the most common management tools used to restore pine-grassland communities and minimize midstory development; however, it is unclear which season of fire is most efficient for their use. We compared woody-stem control from prescribed fires during September and October (late growing season; before leaf fall) with that from March and April (dormant season; before leaf expansion). Mortality of woody stems >1 m tall was related (P 0.64) to the fire-behavior parameters of fireline intensity, rate of spread, and heat/unit area. During September-October, fires were less intense (P<0.05) than during March-April, and less effective (P=0.042) in reducing woody stems 1-3 m tall in the understory and lower midstory. Because of prolific sprouting, neither season of prescribed fires eliminated stems <1 m tall. March to April fires were most effective, in the short term, in controlling midstory encroachment. We recommend that studies using prescribed fire quantify fire behavior rather than using subjective descriptions and precisely define season (month) of burn along with describing plant phenology.