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Author(s):
Morris C. Johnson, David L. Peterson
Year Published:

Cataloging Information

Topic(s):
Fire Behavior
Simulation Modeling
Fuels
Fuel Treatments & Effects
Ecosystem(s):
Montane dry mixed-conifer forest, Ponderosa pine woodland/savanna

NRFSN number: 7948
FRAMES RCS number: 4399
Record updated:

In order to accomplish complex and multiple management objectives related to forest structure, fuels, and fire disturbance, these two disciplines must be effectively integrated in science and practice. The authors have linked scientific and management tools to develop an analytical approach that allows resource managers to quantify and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative fuel treatments in dry interior forests of western North America. For many years silviculture and fire management have mostly been separate forestry disciplines with disparate objectives and activities. However, in order to accomplish complex and multiple management objectives related to forest structure, fuels, and fxe disturbance, these two disciplines must be effectively integrated in science and practice. We have linked scientific and management tools to develop an analytical approach that allows resource managers to quantify and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative fuel treatments in dry interior forests of western North America. The principal tool is the Fire and Fuels Extension of the Forest Vegetation Simulator (FFE-NS) for characterizing fuel succession and fire behaviour, and for quantifying and visualizing stand structure. FFE-NS provides a user-friendly framework that facilitates rapid evaluation of thinning and surface fuel treatments intended to reduce crown fire potential and fireline intensity. This approach quantifies fire hazard at small and large spatial scales, assists with treatment priorities and schedules, and generates stand and landscape visualizations that facilitate decisions about appropriate fuel treatments.

Citation

Johnson, Morris C.; Peterson, David L. 2005. Forest fuel treatments in western North America: merging silviculture and fire management. The Forestry Chronicle. 81(3): 365-368.