Abstract
Fire exclusion and suppression has altered the composition and structure of Garry oak and associated ecosystems in British Columbia. The absence of frequent low severity ground fires has been one of the main contributors to dense patches of non-native grasses, shrubs, and encroaching Douglas-fir trees in historical Garry oak dominated meadows. This case study uses remote sensing and dendrochronology to reconstruct the stand dynamics and long-term fire history of a Garry oak meadow situated within Helliwell Provincial Park located on Hornby Island, British Columbia. The Garry oak habitat in Helliwell Park has decreased by 50% since 1950 due to conifer encroachment. Lower densities and mortalities of Garry oak trees were associated with the presence of overstory Douglas-fir trees. To slow conifer encroachment into the remaining Garry oak meadows, we recommend that mechanical thinning of Douglas-fir be followed by a prescribed burning program. Reintroducing fire to Garry oak ecosystems can restore and maintain populations of plants, mammals, and insects that rely on these fire resilient habitats.
Highlights
Understanding the ecological and cultural history of ecosystems is important when developing management objectives, restoration strategies, and long-term monitoring [1–5]
Garry oak ecosystems cover less than 5% of British Columbia, but these ecosystems contain among the greatest proportions of species-at-risk in the province [19]
The purpose of this study is to understand the stand dynamics and fire history of a maritime meadow situated within a Garry oak ecosystem, located in Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island, British Columbia
Summary
Understanding the ecological and cultural history of ecosystems is important when developing management objectives, restoration strategies, and long-term monitoring [1–5]. Nations intentionally set low severity ground fires to support the growth of fire adapted species (organisms with life history strategies that tolerate fire [6]), such as camas (Camas spp.), and increase fodder for game, such as deer [7–9]. Ex Hook.) ecosystems are fire resilient (recover quickly from fire disturbance [12]) and require frequent low severity ground fires to maintain the species that historically live in these meadow habitats [13–15]. Widespread fire suppression and ongoing exclusion have resulted in the encroachment of Douglas-fir dominated forests and encouraged the growth of fire intolerant non-native species in Garry oak and associated ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest [8,11,15–18]. Garry oak ecosystems cover less than 5% of British Columbia, but these ecosystems contain among the greatest proportions of species-at-risk in the province [19].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
