7. PRSR 04-11-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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recycling of most nutrients; improved flowering, seed production and germination for most native plants, and reduced invasion by aggressive woody plant. Although there are a myriad of factors pertaining to community and individual plant species responses to fire, some generalizations can be made about the seasonal application of prescribed fire in oak communities. Past research and field experience of managers suggests that early spring fires (before April 15th) tend to favor spring flowers, sedges and grasses. Late spring fires tend to favor species of plants that emerge from the ground later and mostly bloom from June to September. Fall fires in grasslands tend to maintain a balance between warm and cool season grasses and forbs, and reduce the amount of small diameter woody species, such as shrubs and tree saplings. Because there are a myriad of factors related to seasonal timing of fire, it is important to make sure that the seasonal application of fire is consistent with addressing specific problems or achieving stated goals. As resources allow the site should be split into several burn units that can be rotationally burned, with individual burn units divided by trails. This allows insects that are sensitive to fire the chance to recolonize burned areas from those that are unburned. Although highly unlikely for this site, there is the possibility that this site harbors rare native insect species. Since some insect species are vulnerable to fire, especially during periods of dormancy in above-ground plant tissues, it would be recommendable to follow this rotational burning scheme. If brush encroachment is reduced to, or below target levels and adequate oak recruitment is taking place, burning could be reduced to 5-15 year intervals. This longer interval would allow any oak seedlings recruited during restoration to reach a size where they would be more resistant to being top killed by fire. The recruitment of oak seedlings into mature trees will be an important part of long-term management if the goal is to keep oak as the dominant tree on the site. Because of the aging character of the oaks on the site, it will be important to allow for oak seedling and sapling recruitment in the next 30 years to provide for replacement of canopy trees. In prescribed fire application, good planning, trained personnel, and sufficient equipment on-site are essential. Fire is a very useful tool in the management of natural areas, but always has the potential to become dangerous if not given respect and careful attention. Like many other tools, it requires adaptability as a key component of long-term management. Good record keeping and monitoring during the early portions of the restoration will contribute to sound decisions during the maintenance phase of the restoration. Recommendations for Monitoring of Management Activities Ecological Restoration is a process that involves active management by natural resource professionals. This management often takes place on small, isolated areas of Top of the World Park Addition Natural Area Management Plan 13