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Author(s):
Glenn A. Christensen, Roger D. Fight, R. James Barbour
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fuels
Fuel Treatments & Effects

NRFSN number: 8432
FRAMES RCS number: 2183
Record updated:

This paper demonstrates protocols to analyze and illustrate trends in the long-term effects of repeated fire hazard reduction entries at broad state-level scales. The objectives of this analysis are to determine the effectiveness of two stand treatment options designed to immediately reduce and maintain lower wildfire hazards. Long-term effects of fire hazard reduction are reported for and the stocking, size, and species mix of trees logs that might be removed for wood products. We developed methods that use readily available tools to provide this information and relate it to treatment effectiveness in reducing fire hazard over time. The scope of the project covers all forested areas of Montana and New Mexico. Analysis is based on data collected by the Forest Service's Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program for both States, but other types of inventory data for smaller land areas also could be used. The primary tools for this analysis are FVS, the Fire and Fuels Extension (FFE) model, and the Financial Evaluation of Ecosystem Management Activities (FEEMA) model. Model output from more than 1,000 plots is summarized using macros written for Microsoft Excel, SAS statistical software, and Microsoft Access. These protocols can be used to simulate a variety of broad-scale management options using stand level data that are readily available. This information could be invaluable to evaluate future management options over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.

Citation

Christensen, Glenn A.; Fight, Roger D.; Barbour, R. James. 2002. Simulating fire hazard reduction, wood flows, and economics of fuel treatments with FVS, FEEMA, and FIA data. In: Proceedings of the 2nd Forest Vegetation Simulator Conference; 2002 February 12. Proceedings RMRS-P-25. Ogden,UT: USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 91-96.