Experiment 143

Demonstration Study of Oak Savanna Restoration Techniques

Summary

The goals this study are to evaluate several techniques for restoring closed oak woodlands to oak savannas in a replicated experimental design. Effects of the treatments on the plant community and physical parameters such as soil moisture are being monitored. Two areas of oak woodlands were to create two replicates of four treatments. Treatment areas range from 1.5 to 3.5 ha in size. The treatments are as follows: 1) control, 2) burn, 3) burn + selective thinning of overstory trees, 4) burn + selective thinning of overstory trees + shrub control. This is the first time (to our knowledge) in the history of the Cedar Creek prescribed burn program that we have obtained vegetation data prior to application of fire treatment.

Investigator(s): Keith Wrage, Peter Reich, Dave Peterson, Erin Ahola; Started: 1996; Status: Active


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