A5043179329- Fire effects on ecosystems
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Seedling growth and survival studies
- Forest Biomass Utilization and Management
- Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
- Forest Management and Policy
- Landslides and related hazards
- Forest ecology and management
- Plant and animal studies
- Agroforestry and silvopastoral systems
- Forest Insect Ecology and Management
- Soil erosion and sediment transport
- Botany, Ecology, and Taxonomy Studies
- Fire dynamics and safety research
- Plant Parasitism and Resistance
- Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Studies
- Heavy metals in environment
- Plant and fungal interactions
- Weed Control and Herbicide Applications
- Bioenergy crop production and management
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Environmental Justice and Health Disparities
- Plant Water Relations and Carbon Dynamics
Clemson University
2016-2025
University of Florida
2009-2013
Fire and resource managers of the southern Appalachian Mountains, USA, have many questions about use prescribed fire mechanical treatments to meet various land management objectives. Three common objectives include restoration an open woodland, oak regeneration, fuel reduction. This paper provides information reaching each these three by using burning (B), reduction (M), a combination both treatment (MB). The site National Surrogate study has been burned times conducted twice since 2002....
Abstract The national Fire and Surrogate (FFS) study was initiated more than two decades ago with the goal of evaluating ecological impacts mechanical treatments prescribed fire in different ecosystems across United States. Since then, 4 original 12 sites remain active managing monitoring FFS which provides a unique opportunity to look at long‐term effects these regions. These include California (Blodgett Forest Research Station), Montana (Lubrecht Experimental Forest), North Carolina (Green...
Abstract This study explores the impact of deep (5–40 m) critical zone (CZ) structure on vegetation distribution in a semiarid snow‐dominated climate. Utilizing seismic refraction surveys, we identified significant negative correlation between seismically derived saprolite thickness and light detecting ranging‐derived heights ( R = −0.66). We argue that CZ structure, specifically shallow fractured bedrock under valley bottoms, provides moisture near surface where trees are...
Keystone species restoration, or the restoration of whose effect on an ecosystem is much greater than their abundance would suggest, a central justification for many wildlife reintroduction projects globally. Following plains bison ( Bison L.) have been identified as keystone in tallgrass prairie ecoregion, but we know no research to document similar effects mixed‐grass where efforts are ongoing. This study addresses whether Northern Great Plains (NGP) plant communities exhibit traits...
Abstract We investigated the effects of various anthropogenic factors on urban soil properties in subtropical, coastal Tampa, FL, USA. Specifically, we explored influence (i) urbanization as measured by land use, cover, population density and years since development (ii) socioeconomic conditions reflected household income property values bulk (BD) several key chemical properties. Results indicate that Tampa’s soils were affected to varying degrees these with being more variable than BD....
Recent studies suggest increased fire frequency may impair soil chemistry, but few have examined long-term effects of repeated, frequent prescribed fires on forest properties in the southeastern Coastal Plain, USA. In this study, chemistry at 0–10 and 10–20 cm mineral depths sandy surface horizons (Entisols Spodosols) were compared among units burned 0, 4, 6, 8 times between 2004 2015 0 20 1978 a longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.)–loblolly taeda L.) pine savanna Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center...
ABSTRACT Fuel reduction treatments are used to reduce wildfire risk and restore plant communities. Yet, repeated mechanical or prescribed fire may gradually change forest structure microhabitat conditions, favoring some taxa decreasing suitability for others. We experimentally assessed long‐term (intermittent years, 2003–2016) effects of dormant‐season on capture rates reptiles amphibians in southern Appalachian upland hardwood forests. Treatments were understory removal (twice), burning (4...
The infrequent occurrence of large wildfires in the southern Appalachian Mountains over last several decades has offered few opportunities to study their impacts. From 2000 2008, five burned a portion area and surrounding Linville Gorge Wilderness North Carolina. Areas were either once or twice. response acid cove thermic oak plant communities (structure, cover, richness, diversity) was measured 78 vegetation monitoring plots, established 1992 remeasured 2010–11. Fire altered forest...
Decades of fire exclusion in the Southern Appalachian Mountains led to fuel accumulation and conversion from open oak-pine woodlands closed-canopy mesic forests dominated by shade-tolerant hardwoods shrubs that often do not support a diverse understory. forest managers scientists recognize this are implementing silvicultural treatments such as prescribed burning, mechanical or combination these restore structure. In study, conducted at Fire Surrogate Study site Green River Game Land, North...
Understanding forestry practices cost is important for predicting the financial outcome of forest management activities. Assessing costs that will be used in future can difficult and may result over or underestimations returns depending on values used. We historic real average rates change southern United States to assess changes several loblolly pine plantation scenarios time through use discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. Additionally, we analyzed impact certain financially optimal number...
Abstract The logging industry in the United States faces a demographic shift with aging owners and decline intergenerational business transfers. This pilot study explores potential for new businesses led by minority groups, beginning loggers, young entrepreneurs southeastern States. Interviews nine minority, beginning, (MBY) four forestry/logging associations uncovered challenges, including high startup costs, limited access to financing funds, difficulty hiring skilled workers, low profit...
The O horizon, or detrital layer, of forest soils is linked to long-term productivity and health. Fuel reduction techniques, such as prescribed fire, can alter the thickness composition this essential ecosystem component. Developing an understanding changes in chemical detritus due fire for managers stakeholders seeking sustainable, resilient, productive ecosystems. In study, we evaluated fuel quantity, structure, longleaf pine ( Miller) forests that have been frequently burned last 40 yr at...
Abstract Background Despite the widespread use of prescribed fire throughout much southeastern USA, temporal considerations behavior and its effects often remain unclear. Opportunities to burn within prescriptive meteorological windows vary seasonally along biogeographical gradients, particularly in mountainous terrain where topography can alter behavior. Managers seek expand number days available accomplish their management objectives, such as hazardous fuel reduction, control less desired...
Abstract We examined the immediate effects of laurel wilt on redbay (Persea borbonia [L.] Spreng.) and stand-level characteristics in a mixed evergreen-deciduous forest at Etoniah Creek State Forest Florida. Percent mortality overstory, sapling, seedling layers were 100%, 30.2%, 1.8%, respectively, year after first signs infection observed. The diameter distribution shifted from reverse “J” pattern to where only remaining living stems <4-in. dbh. Mortality also resulted significant...
Forest operations have become increasingly reliant on mechanized harvesting equipment due to their increased production capacities in competitive markets. However, operating heavy machinery mountainous terrain poses numerous operational and accessibility challenges from steep slopes, erosion risk, poor road access. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) effectively been used various studies identify areas landscapes that pose no or reduced constraints for operation. This study introduces the...