Natural Regeneration of Ponderesa Pine as Related to Land Use and Fire History on the Pajarito Plateau

摘要

Problems of ponderesa pine regeneration have been of concern in the Southwest for years. When sources of seeds are removed either by fire or logging, problems of regeneration become paramount. In 1977 a major wildfire (La Mesa fire) burned over land under control of the National Park Service, US Forest Service, and Department of Energy. Each of these agencies, because of their mandates, have a different concept of management of the burned land. This study was designed to look at natural regeneration of pine after fire as related to the various types of land management and restoration processes. The best ponderesa pine seedling survival was in fine soils; that is, conifer litter less than 1 cm, sparse ground cover and some shade, or ground cover of bearberry (Arctostaphylos urva ursi) or mountain muhly and no shade. Overhead canopy or proximity to protective objects is not required. There was a high association of the common native grass mountain muhly and bearberry. The relationship by which bearberry acts as a nurse plant should be investigated. (ERA citation 07:044714)