Fire effects monitoring: Tracking ecological change due to fire-caused disturbance

Premise: Pre-burn data from a prescribed fire in October 2011 show that, in decreasing order of importance, Schizachyrium scoparium (little blue stem), Solidago canadensis (canada goldenrod), and Andopogon geradii (big bluestem) are three dominant species. Fire-caused disturbance may aid in a shift of dominance from a weedy species such as canada goldenrod back to a dominant prairie grass big bluestem. Methods: Prior to burning, our study site was measured for vertical structure and frequency of vegetation. Other variables including weather conditions, fuel loading and composition, a burn severity, will be used to predict fire behavior which could help explain any observed changes. One year from its treatment date, the site will be measured for the same vegetative and fuel attributes. Results: Statistical analysis of site variability was used to evaluate our sample size in order to allow for adjustments to monitoring efforts. Analysis and comparison of the pre- and post-burn vegetative data, in fall 2012, will indicate any changes in vegetative characteristics that occur. Discussion: Here we present a synthesis of all data, hypothesize possible associations between variables, and provide examples of the practical uses of the fire monitoring program.