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- Info
Fuel breaks affect nonnative species abundance in Californian plant communities
| Author: |
Merriam, K.E.; Keeley, J.E.; Beyers, J.L. |
| Date: |
2006 |
| Periodical: |
Ecological Applications |
| Link: |
http://www.werc.usgs.gov/seki/pdfs/K2006_Merriam_Fuelbreaks_EA.pdf
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| Abstract: |
The abundance of nonnative plants on fuel breaks and in adjacent untreated areas was examined to determine if fuel treatments promote the invasion of nonnative plant species. Understanding the relationship between fuel treatments and nonnative plants is becoming increasingly important as federal and state agencies are currently implementing large fuel treatment programs throughout the United States to reduce the threat of wildland fire. The study included 24 fuel breaks located across the State of California. It was found that nonnative plant abundance was over 200% higher on fuel breaks than in adjacent wildland areas. There was a significant decline in relative nonnative cover with increasing distance from the fuel break, particularly in areas that had experienced more numerous fires during the past 50 years, and in areas that had been grazed. This data suggest that fuel breaks could provide establishment sites for nonnative plants, and that nonnatives may invade surrounding areas, especially after disturbances such as fire or grazing. Fuel break construction and maintenance methods that leave some overstory canopy and minimize exposure of bare ground may be less likely to promote nonnative plants. |
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