Forest Sciences Commons^™

Ponderosa Pine Seedling Physiology After Severe Wildfire: Does It Take A Forest To Make A Forest?, Lauren Bansbach

Shared Knowledge Conference

Ponderosa pine forests are an iconic ecosystem of western North America and provide numerous ecological, economic, and cultural benefits. Historically, these forests experienced regular surface fires that left most large, mature trees surviving. However, suppression of wildfires along with a warming climate have led to catastrophic tree-killing fires that result in vast areas (>200 mi2) dominated by shrubs and grasses. Because of limited survival of tree seedlings in these post-fire habitats, it remains unknown whether ponderosa pines can successfully recolonize severely burned landscapes. Without a mature tree canopy to provide periodic shade, seedlings experience hotter, drier conditions and likely …