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Full Citation: Mast, J. N., and J. J. Wolf. 2004. Ecotonal changes and altered tree spatial patterns in lower mixed-conifer forests, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA. Landscape Ecology, v. 19, no. 2, p. 167-180.
External Identifier(s): 10.1023/B:LAND.0000021718.20058.36 Digital Object Identifier
Location: North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, U.S.
Ecosystem types: Ecotone between mixed conifer forests and ponderosa pine
Southwest FireCLIME Keywords: None
FRAMES Keywords: Abies concolor, Achillea millefolium, age classes, Amelanchier utahensis, Arizona, Berberis repens, biogeography, Bromus ciliatus, coniferous forests, dendrochronology, distribution, disturbance, droughts, ecotones, elevation, Eriogonum, fire dependent species, fire frequency, fire injuries (plants), fire management, fire resistant plants, fire sensitive plants, fire suppression, forest management, Fragaria, Geranium, invasive species, light, lightning caused fires, Lupinus argenteus, mosaic, national parks, Netherlands, overstory, Pinus ponderosa, plant growth, population density, Populus, Robinia, season of fire, size classes, species diversity (plants), statistical analysis, Verbena, wildfires, dendrochronology, ecotone, mixed-conifer, patch structure, ponderosa pine, spatial analysis, white fir

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Ecotonal changes and altered tree spatial patterns in lower mixed-conifer forests, Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA

J. N. Mast, J. J. Wolf
Summary - what did the authors do and why?

The authors looked at species specific patch development, establishment, and the effects of climate and/or disturbance regimes, including fire suppression, within ecotones of mixed-conifer and ponderosa pine ecosystems.


Publication findings:

The authors found that along the mixed-conifer/ponderosa pine ecotone there has been a shift toward increasing mixed-conifer forest, especially white fir and other shade-tolerant and fire-intolerant species in historical ponderosa pine stands due to fire suppression. Pole-sized white fir were clumped at all patch sizes due to a lack of thinning by fire. This has caused dense thickets of white fir that do not permit ponderosa pine seedlings from regenerating.

Fire and Ecosystem Effects Linkages

How do fire frequency, rotation, and return interval relate to tree dispersal, regeneration, and establishment?

Due to fire suppression, pole-sized white fir were clumped at all patch sizes due to a lack of thinning by fire. This has caused dense thickets of white fir that do not permit ponderosa pine seedlings from regenerating.

How do fire frequency, rotation, and return interval relate to species composition, non-natives, and structure?

The authors found that along the mixed-conifer/ponderosa pine ecotone there has been a shift toward increasing mixed-conifer forest, especially white fir and other shade-tolerant and fire-intolerant species in historical ponderosa pine stands due to fire suppression. Pole-sized white fir were clumped at all patch sizes due to a lack of thinning by fire. This has caused dense thickets of white fir that do not permit ponderosa pine seedlings from regenerating.