The
centerpiece of our research program is an experiment that explores
the potential for restoring meadows through tree removal and prescribed
burning. It addresses the following questions:
- Is tree removal sufficient to promote the abundance or diversity
of native meadow species? Are there additional ecological benefits
of fire?
- Are there adverse effects of fuel-reduction methods (broadcast-
or pile-burning) on
- Soil properties?
- Establishment of undesirable species?
- Does the duration of tree influence (over decades to centuries)
affect the potential for restoration of meadow vegetation?
Halpern,
C. B., R. D. Haugo, J. A. Antos, S. S. Kaas, and A. L. Kilanowski.
2012. Grassland restoration with and without fire:
evidence from a tree-removal experiment. Ecological Applications
22:425-441. PDF. Appendices |
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Experimental
tree removal and prescribed burning |
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Bunchgrass
Ridge, on 29 Sep 2006, one day after broadcast burning
of experimental plots (areas with white ash). |
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