The Effects of Fire Exclusion on Ponderosa Pine Communities in Glacier National Park, Montana

Abstract

Ponderosa pine (Pinusponderosa Laws.) forest communities in Glacier National Park, Montana, were investigated to determine the effects of fire exclusion. Analysis of age data in these fire-dependent communities indicates that ponderosa pine is not reproducing itself as well as other mesophytic conifers invading these stands. In addition to these compositional changes, it was determined that fuel accumulations are greater in these park communities compared with similar wilderness area pine communities subject to more recent burning.