From the text ... 'Although we consider the use of fire essential for maintenance of PJ [pinyon-juniper] savanna structure, there are inherent risks to the herbaceous understory. In particular, we noted that turf-forming individuals of blue grama with excessive amounts of dead aboveground biomass appeared to be more susceptible to heat effects associated with complete consumption of slash mulch than more-vigorous bunch grasses, such as little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparitus).Our preliminary results suggest that fire can be effective in maintaining woodland savanna structure by killing tree seedlings, but damaging heat effects on forbs and grasses can result from excessive fuel loading or less-than-optimal burn conditions. Given the relative susceptibility of PJ tree seedlings to fire, burning should be delayed until perennial grass cover and composition have reached levels deemed sufficient to provide an acceptable post-burn herbaceous response.' © 2002 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. Abstract reproduced by permission.