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Author(s):
G. Allen Rasmussen
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fuels
Fuel Treatments & Effects
Prescribed Fire-use treatments
Ecosystem(s):
Sagebrush steppe, Lower montane/foothills/valley grassland

NRFSN number: 12152
FRAMES RCS number: 16376
Record updated:

Prescribed burning can be an effective tool to manage sagebrush grasslands. However, burning prescriptions for sagebrush grasslands vary depending on the management objectives, species composition of the community, and location. To develop successful fire prescriptions in these communities, consideration must first be given to the management objectives. Second, the past and future management of the area has to be considered to determine if prescribed burning is a viable alternative. Once these have been established, the species composition, fuel load, fuel continuity, and weather are considered. These factors will determine the burning prescription used and follow-up management needed for prescribed burning to be successful in sagebrush-grassland sites with cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Prescribed burning will only decrease cheatgrass in the short run, so it should only be used as a seedbed preparation technique where cheatgrass dominates the understory.

Citation

Rasmussen, G. Allen. 1994. Prescribed burning considerations in sagebrush annual grassland communities. In: Monsen, Stephen B.; Kitchen, Stanley G., comps. Proceedings-ecology and management of annual rangelands; 1992 May 18-21; Boise, ID. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-GTR-313. Ogden, UT: USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. p. 69-70.