When Smokey Says “No”: Fire-less Methods for Growing Plants Adapted to Cultural Fire Regimes
Shebitz, D. and James, J. E., Jr. IN: National Proceeding: Forest and Conservation Nursery Associations - 2009. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Proceedings RMRS-P-62, p. 15-21. 2010.
Two culturally-significant plants (sweetgrass [Anthoxanthum nitens] and beargrass [Xerophyllum tenax]) are used as case studies for investigating methods of restoring plant populations that are adapted to indigenous burning practices without using fire. Reports from tribal members that the plants of interest were declining in traditional gathering areas provided the impetus for research with both species. In both situations, reintroducing large-scale repetitive burning was not feasible. Field studies of planting with cover crops and manually clearing competing shrubs and herbaceous plants are examined, as well as a greenhouse study evaluating the effect of smoke-water on seed germination. All three experiments yielded significant results when compared to a control. These findings indicate that when reintroducing fire is not feasible, treatments are available that, in some cases, may increase the reproduction and growth of target species.
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Author(s): Daniela Shebitz, Justine E. James, Jr.
Publication: National Nursery Proceedings - 2009
Event:
Intertribal Nursery Council Meeting
2009 - Moscow, Idaho
