Stand replacement prescribed burning for fuel reduction and regeneration of Table Mountain/Pitch Pine stands in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Ridgetop pine communities of the southern Appalachian Mountains have
historically been maintained by lightning- and human caused fires. Because of
fire suppression for several decades, these stands are entering later seral
stages. Such stands typically have an overstory of Table Mountain pine (Pinus
pungens) which is being replaced by shade tolerant chestnut oaks (Quercus
prinus). The shrub layer consists of dense mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia).
Previous research suggests that restoration of these communities can be
accomplished with high-intensity fires that open the forest canopy and expose
mineral soil. Three recent studies examined plant-community response to
high-intensity prescribed fires. A series of four supporting studies helps to
explain some of the results of these field studies. High and medium-high
intensity fires provided adequate sunlight for pine seedlings, whereas
medium-low and low intensity fires did not. Post-burn duff was deep and did
not vary by fire intensity. We observed sufficient seedling densities to
restore pine-dominated stands (<9,000 per ha) after all but the highest
intensity fires. Many seedlings survived the first growing season as their
roots penetrated duff to reach mineral soil. Hardwood rootstocks resprouted on
sites treated with all fire intensities and may out-compete pine seedlings.
High-intensity fires may have reduced mycorrhizal abundance and moisture
availability for new germinants. Fires of lower intensity than previously
recommended or multiple fires of very low-intensity may provide the best
conditions for pine regeneration.

To provide data from study examining plant-community response to high-intensity
prescribed fires in the Southern Appalachians.