Fire Ecology & Effects
View forum report.
This document includes scientist contributions and group recommendations that came from the Great Basin Wildfire Forum held at the University of Nevada in September of 2007. In the first section, the editors provide background and overview of the major issues of the Great Basin as they relate to the wildfire forum discussions. The next section is an edited version of the individual contributions of the scientists based on their oral presentations and written contributions.
Course Description: Functional responses and adaptations of individual species to their environment, emphasizing the physiological mechanisms that influence the interactions between organisms and the major environmental factors (e.g., solar radiation, energy balance, temperature, water and nutrients, climate), and how this affects the interactions among species and their growth and survival (e.g., competition, herbivory, and allelopathy). Interactive computer-based learning materials are used extensively.
Prerequisites: A course in general ecology (e.g., Ecology NR 321), general botany or plant physiology, or permission.
Recommended preparation: Review of plant physiology
Computer compatibility: The course learning materials are compatible only with computers that are 100% compatible with the Windows operating system and the browser, Internet Explorer.
Course Description: Fundamental principles of the science of ecology. Major topics covered by the course include the physical environment, how organisms interact with each other and their environment, evolutionary processes, population dynamics, communities, energy flow and ecosystems, human influences on ecosystems, and the integration and scaling of ecological processes through systems ecology. Computer-based materials are used extensively for guided independent learning of ecology.
Prerequisites: Introductory biology, or permission.
Recommended preparation: Introductory botany and zoology, and a good working knowledge of Windows-based computer systems.
Computer compatibility: The course learning materials are compatible only with computers that are 100% compatible with the Windows operating system and the browser, Internet Explorer.
In this webinar, Matt Germino, Idaho State University, and Jason Williams, USDA ARS, discuss post-fire wind and water erosion issues and associated management implications. Questions and discussion follow.
Effects of fire and mechanical treatments on plants and wildlife in western juniper and PJ woodlands
In this webinar, Rick Miller, Oregon State University, shares his research on how fire and mechanical treatments effect plant and wildlife communities in western juniper and pinyon-juniper woodlands. The last 20 minutes was reserved for a discussion about management implications. Definitions of terms used in this webinar.
In this webinar, David Pyke, Plant Ecologist, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, discusses setting objectives for resumption of grazing post-fire/rehabilitation activities.
In this webinar, Dr. Gene Schupp, Plant Ecologist, Utah State University, presents patterns of native and exotic understory growth during the first three years following prescribed fire, mechanical, Tebuthiuron, and Imazipic treatments.
In this webinar, Steve Knick, USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, shares his research on changes within bird communities living in ecotone regions where land management treatments have been conducted to reduce woodland expansion into sagebrush habitats.
In this webinar, Richard Miller, Fire Ecologist, Oregon State University, presents a synthesis of information on fire effects on vegetation and soils in the Great Basin including responses and site characteristics. See also the fire effects synthesis.
In this webinar, Jason Williams, Hydrologist, USDA-ARS Northwest Watershed Research Center, presents his latest research findings on hydrologic response to fuels treatments on woodland encroached sagebrush steppe. This research is part of the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project.