Restoration of a wet longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savanna in southeast Louisiana: Burning toward reference conditions

• Main Author: Entrup, Alex K.
• Format: Others
• Published: ScholarWorks@UNO 2015
• Subjects: Prescribed fire; logging; species richness; species diversity; reference site; fire reintroduction; Botany; Forest Biology; Forest Management; Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology
• Online Access: http://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2068; http://scholarworks.uno.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3185&context=td

This study quantifies the changes in vegetation composition and structure of a fire-excluded Pinus palustris (longleaf pine) wetland savanna restoration site in southeastern in comparison to a proximate contemporary reference site. The restoration site was invaded by hardwood species and off-site pines, and never underwent extensive soil disturbance. The restoration treatments involved logging across portions of the site and the reintroduction of fire across the entire site. All species present in 10m2 quadrats were recorded prior to treatment and throughout the 17 year study at reference and treatment sites. The community composition of both logged and unlogged sites converged over time, and became more similar to the reference site. We conclude that logging of off-site pine coupled with the reintroduction of frequent fires can be effective in restoring ground cover in remnant longleaf pine savannas withdisturbance.