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Author(s):
George E. Gruell
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire History

NRFSN number: 15391
FRAMES RCS number: 13661
Record updated:

Fire history investigations were carried out in three widely separated Great Basin pinyon-juniper woodlands in east-central Nevada, southeastern Oregon and northwestern Nevada, and western Nevada. Study results suggested frequent fires on deep soils that produced an abundance of fine fuels and infrequent fires on shallow soils and rocky sites where fuels were sparse. Decades of intensive livestock grazing and successful fire suppression in pinyon-juniper woodlands have resulted in a shift from low intensity fires to high intensity fires. This shift has been the result of large increases in woody fuels and introduction of exotic grasses. Considering the extent of fuel buildup, severe wildfires in the Great Basin will continue and perhaps become more frequent.

Citation

Gruell, George E. 1999. Historical and modern roles of fire in pinyon-juniper. Pages 24-28 in: Monsen, Stephen B.; Stevens, Richard (compilers). Proceedings: ecology and management of pinyon-juniper communities within the Interior West; September 15-18, 1997; Provo, UT. Proceedings RMRS-P-9. Ogden, UT: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.

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