1995 Midwest Oak Savanna and Woodland Ecosystems Conferences -
Springfield, Missouri
Historic
Perspectives and Role of Fire in Oak Savanna/Woodland Ecosystems
MODERATORS: Paul Nelson, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and
Alan Rebertus, University of Missouri - Columbia
An Overview
Of Fire History In Oak-Pine Forests And Savannas
Guyette, Richard ., Bruce Cutter and Dan Dey
Temporal-spatial
Demography And Succession Of An Oak Savanna In The Missouri Ozarks.
Jenkins, Sean E. and Alan J. Rebertus
A Predictive
Model To Locate Ancient Forests, Savannas, Glades In The The Timbers
Therrell, Matthew D. and David W. Stahle
Forest-prairie Interface
in Southeast Illinois
Edgin, Bob. and John Ebinger
Oak Woodland
Statistics From A Forest Survey Of Central Oklahoma
Rosson. Jr. James F.
Effects Of Prescribed
Fire On Hardwood Regeneration In Shelterwood Stands
Keyser, Patrick., Patrick Brose and David Van Lear
Fire Effects
On Woody Species Within Dry Oak Savanna At Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore*
Benjamin, Pamela K., Kenneth L. Cole and Noel B. Pavlovic
Vegetation
of Some Oak Barren Remnants in Central and Western Illinois
McClain, William E. and John E. Ebinger
Historical
Changes in a Hardwood Foregt-Tall Grass Prairie Ecotone in Oklahoma
Criner, Tania L., and David M. Engle, Terrance G. Bidwell, Ronald E.
Masters
"Fire Dependent"
Plants in a Closed Canopy Oak-Hickory Forest
Grabner, Jennifer K. and Gwenlyn Waller, Brian Brookshire
Management
of Oak Savanna/Woodland Ecosystems
MODERATORS: Lynn Corbitt, Mark Twain National Forest, and Mark Kennedy,
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Using Regional
Planning and GIS to Identify Potenti, Savanna/Woodland Sites in North Missouri
Westin, Steve and Carl Hauser
Adaptive Management
for Landscape ScaleSavanna Restoration
Haney, Alan and Gary Larsen
Restoring
the Shortleaf Pine-Bluetem Ecosystem in the Quachita Mountains
Pell, Bill
The
Effect of Canopy Cover on Oak Savanna Habitat Use by the Endangered Karner
Blue Butterfly
Pavlovic, Noel B.
An Environmental
Education/Interpretation Master Plan For Sites With Oak Savanna
Ibershof, Sarah
Small
Scale Approach to Experimental Management Of A Minnesota Oak Savanna: Preliminary
Report.
Brooks Erpelding, Bonnie
Using Buffalo
Clover in Select Management Situations
Hickey, Ethel E.
Validation
of BEHAVE Grass Fuel Models in Oak Savannas.
Grabner, Keith W. and Dr. John P. Dwyer
The Use
of Class A Foam in Midwestern Prescribed Fires
Stanton, Robert
Vegetation
Changes in Managed Versus Unmanaged Units of a High Quality Old Growth
Savanna Remnant
Savage, Rick and Felix Ponder, Jr., Ken McCarty
Monitoring
of Oak Savanna/Woodland Ecosystems
MODERATORS: Karen Kramer, Missouri Department of Conservation and Larry
Larson, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
An Interagency Fire
Monitoring Database
Hartman, George W.
Identifying
Ecological Structure in Oak Groves: A Prerequisite to Proper Sampling
Dr. Simpson, Thomas B.
Gradients
In Understory Composition And Structure In Remnant Wisconsin Oak Savannas
Leach, Mark and Thomas Givnish
Distribution
of Plant Species Along Light and Soil Gradients in Wisconsin
Pruka, Brian
A Summary
of Savanna Development Studies at Knob Noster State Park, Johnson County,
Missouri
Dr.Castaner, David and S. Larabee, M. Campbell and W. Taylor
Grouping Tree
Species in the Mixed Forests of North Alabama
Oswald, Brian, Lianjun Zhang and Thomas A. Green
Estimating Tree Crown
Cover In Oak Savannas
Johnson, Paul S., Jay R. Law and Robert Rogers
Historic
and Present Barrens Restoration Efforts at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
King, Richard and Rebecca Power
Effect
Of Land Management On Nesting Success Of Grassland Birds In The Oak Openings
Region
Grigore, Michelle
Monitoring
Amphibian Populations In The Oak Savanna Community
Grigore, Michelle Species
Response to Management of Oak Savanna/Woodland Ecosystems
MODERATORS: Barbara Moran and Kathy Miles, Mark Twain National Forest
The
Role of Carex pensylvanicain the Degradation of Oak Barrens
Collada, Angela and Alan Haney
Savanna Blazing Star Growth
Bell, Timothy J., Marlin Bowles and Jenny McBride
Restoration
of an Oak-Hickory Woodland Herbaceous Layer in Southern Wisconsin
Birch, Gary A.
Influence
of Canopy on Habitat Suitability for the Karn Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides
melissa samuelis)
Lane, Cynthia
Litter Changes
In A Retrogressing Oak Savanna Ecosystem
Eddy , Tom
Avian Diversity
of the Fort McCoy Oak Barrens
Beckmann, David J. and Alan Haney
Breeding
Songbird Community Structure Within Managed Vs Unmanaged Oak-Savannas In
The Missouri Ozarks
Callahan, Terrance R., Dr. Ernie Wiggers and Richard Clawson
Effects of
Land Use Change on Breeding Bird Communittee Structure in Northern Oklahoma
BOREN, JON C., DAVID M. ENGLE, TERRANCE G. BIDWELL, RONALD E. MASTERS
Habitat
Use and Movement Patterns of the Eastern MassasaugaRattlesnake in Central
Wisconsin.
King, Richard
Population Dynamics
of small Mammals in a Northwest Ohio Oak Savanna
Jacksey, Jr., Robert G.
Poster Session
Buffalo
Clover, A Savanna Biennial: Are Fire Strategies Used In Savanna Restoration
Efforts Eliminating Biennial
Species?
Hickey, Ethel E.
Effects
of Burning and Mowing on a Sand Prairie Flora
Walters, Timothy L.
Dispersal
of the Karner blue butterfly at Fort McCoy Military Reservation.
Bidwell , Andrew
Legacy:
Landscape Scale Savanna Restoration and Management
Collada, Angela, Alan Haney, Gary Larsen and Debbie Lipyanic
Leafy Spurge
(Euphorbia esula) Control on Fort McCoy Military Reservation
Beckmann, David J., Alan Haney and Kim Mello
Germination
And Establishment Of Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) In Savanna Habitats
Pavlovic, Noel B., Ralph Grundel and Christina Sulzman
Growing
Oak Seedlings In Your Backyard A Way to Save Money and Obtain Quality Stock
Miller, Stuart
Oak
Opening Restoration Through Prescribed Burning And Exotic Species Removal:
LuluLake, Lake
County,
Wisconsin.
Braker, Nancy C., Steve Richter and Eric Epstein
Historic
and Present Barrens Restoration Efforts at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
King, Richard and Rebecca Power
Oak Grassland
Management On The Fort Leonard Wood Military Reservation, Fort Leonard
Wood, Missouri
Glueck, Thomas F., and John E. Grinstead
Fire Temperatures
in a Savanna-Glade Complex During the 1994 Stegall Mountain Prescribed
Fire
Willson, Gary D., Lisa Thomas, Charles Putnam and Victoria Mendiola
Grant
Effects
of Prescribed Fire on Midstory Competition and Enhancement of Oak Regeneration
in Mature Hardwood Stands
Barnes, Thomas A. and David H. Van Lear
SESSION A
Historic Perspectives and Role of Fire in Oak Savanna/Woodland Ecosystems
MODERATORS: Paul Nelson, Missouri Department of Natural Resources and
Alan Rebertus, University of Missouri - Columbia
An
Overview Of Fire History In Oak-Pine Forests And Savannas
Richard Guyette and Bruce Cutter
The School of Natural Resources
University of Missouri
1-30 Agriculture Building
Columbia, MO 65211 USA
Tel: (314) 882-7741
Dan Dey
Ontario Forest Research Institute
P.O. Box 969-1235 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada P6A 5N5
Tel: (705) 946-2981
Fire histories were determined for oak-pine (Ouercus and Pinus spp.) sites
in the Ozarks and Algonquin Highlands by tree-ring analysis of fire scar
dates. Dendrochronological methods were used to date fire scars and construct
more than 20 fire scar chronologies dating into the 1600's. Analyses of
the fire chronologies reveal some widespread tenets about pre-settlement
fire regimes. Abrupt changes in fire frequency are common and attributed
to human migrations and expirations. The patch dynamics created by these
anthropogenic fire regimes influenced pre-settlement vegetation, such as
oak regeneration and tree species composition. Fires were often frequent
near areas abundant in scarce resources such as fish, game, or living sites.
Fragmentation of the fuel environment begins early (1830's) near the
Current River. Between site correlation of fire years indicates early (1830's)
fragmentation of the fuel environment in the Ozarks. Pre-settlement fires
years (1650-1830) are more highly correlated among sites than are post
settlement fires. During the pre-settlement era fire years among sites
are negatively correlated with the distance between sites, whereas in the
post-settlement period (1831-1940) there is no significant correlation
among sites and distance.
The spread of fire was inhibited during pre-settlement times by the
Current River and Valley. Fire intervals and the frequency of scarring
are less on the northeast side of the Current River in the lee of prevailing
winds. Present and past distributions of shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata)
and eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginana) are coincident with these differences
in pre-settlement fire regimes.
The size of pre-settlement fires in eastern North America is in question.
There is tree-ring evidence for the occurrence of at least two large fires
in the Ozarks and Ontario in the same year. Not coincidently, these two
fires occurred during a midcontinent wide drought in 1780. In the Ozarks
trees were scarred in 66% of the study sites. In the Algonquin Highlands
four sites show evidence of fire in 1780. These fire are thought to have
spread over areas of more than a million acres each. At some sites in Ontario
and in the Ozarks trees show evidence of extreme fire which set back the
growth of mature 180+ year old red (Pinus resinosa) and shortleaf pine
from 10 to 20 years after 1780.
Temporal-Spatial
Demography And Succession Of An Oak Savanna In The Missouri Ozarks
Sean E. Jenkins
School of Natural Resources, Dept. of forestry
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Mo 65211
Tel: (314) 882-7741
Alan J. Rebertus
School of Natural Resources
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
Tel: (314) 882-8835
A central question concerning forest ecologists is the effect that disturbance
has on the age structure and dynamics of woodland ecosystems. The present
study examines how the historical fire regime has influenced the temporal-spatial
demography of a chert savanna in the Missouri Ozarks. Little research has
been done to determine the temporal and spatial scale and extent of age
patch structure that results from large scale disturbance. Information
is needed concerning the relationship between fire history and agepatch
structure in woodlands and savannas.
Two 1 ha plots were used to detect a representative mosaic of age classes
and were stratified by slope aspect and position. In each plot, all stems
at > 1.4 m tall were mapped to the nearest 0.10 m. All stems > 1 cm DBH
(diameter at breast height) were cored at 0.2 to 0.3 m above the ground.
Each tree's DBH and DCH (diameter at coring height) were also recorded.
In addition, cross-sections were obtained from all stems, less then 4 cm
DBH, killed by a fire in the spring of 1994. Using a binocular microscope,
the annual rings of all cores and cross-sections were counted to estimate
stem age. A fire history of the site was constructed by dating fire scars
from cross- sections obtained from 22 Quercus stellata and Carya
texana remnants.
Age vs. diameter linear regressions were conducted and used to determine
the age of trees from which cores could not be obtained. Age frequency
distributions for each important overstory species were then constructed.
Second Order Neighborhood Analysis was used to produce isopleth maps of
stem clustering following methods by Getis and Franklin (1987).
The objectives of this study were as follows; (1) to determine if there
was a correlation between the age frequency distribution of a site and
the fire history of that site, (2) to compare the regeneration dynamics
(both temporally and spatially) of oaks and other important species at
a site that has been continually burned. The analysis of age data from
both plots indicated that several distinct cohort groups were present.
Isopleth maps also indicated that the age patch dynamics of both plots
were complex and that patches were not species specific.
The 281 years of record of the fire history had a mean fire free interval
of 5.3 years. The longest fire free period was 58 years (1714-1772) and
the shortest was 1 year. The mean fire free intervals for the periods of
1714-1800, 1800-1840, 1840- 1900, 1900-1945 and 1945-1995 were 17.4, 7.8,
14.5,3.9 and 2.0 years, respectively. These minimum estimates were based
on 53 dated fire scars. Furthermore, results indicated that there was a
correlation between the age cohorts and the fire history constructed for
the site.
A
Predictive Model To Locate Ancient Forests, Savannas, Glades In The The Timbers
Matthew D. Therrell
Tree-Ring Laboratory
Ozark Hall 108A University of Arkansas
Fayetteville Arkansas 72701
Tel: (501) 575-5809
David W. Stahle
Tree-Ring Laboratory
Ozark Hall 108A University of Arkansas
Fayetteville Arkansas 7270
Tel: (501) 575-5809
The Cross Timbers formation is a complex mosaic of upland deciduous forest,
savanna, and glades that highlights the broad ecotone between the eastern
deciduous forest and the grasslands of the southern great plains. The presettlement
Cross Timbers may have covered some 7,909,700 hectares from central Texas,
across Oklahoma into southeastern Kansas (Kuchler 1964), and today may
represent the least disturbed ecosystem of comparable size still left in
the eastern United States. Extensive tree-ring research over the past 15
years indicates that ancient forests dominated by 200- to 400-year old
post oak (Quercus stellata) survive in literally hundreds of Cross Timbers
forests, particularly in Oklahoma. These ancient forests survive largely
because the entire Cross Timbers formation is essentially a noncommercial
forest type, and has never experienced large scale industrial logging. Because
ancient forest relics in the eastern United States and elsewhere are often
found on stressful noncommercial forest sites, it is possible to design
predictive models capable of locating the specific noncommercial terrain
where uncut ancient forests are likely to survive. Recent field testing
indicates that an ancient forest predictive model designed for Osage County
Oklahoma, is capable of locating undisturbed Cross Timbers with an accuracy
of better than 60%. In the course of ground truthing this model we have
found over 3885 hectares (15 sq. miles) of ancient Cross Timbers in just
southern Osage County. Because uncut ancient Cross Timbers ecosystems often
grade continuously from closed- canopy forest to open savanna to countless
small glades, the largest amount of unplowed, ungrazed, undisturbed native
prairie and savanna that still survives in the Southern Plains may actually
be found in this ancient forest-grassland mosaic of the Cross Timbers.
Forest-prairie
Interface in Southeast Illinois
Bob Edgin and John Ebinger
Eastern Illinois University
Botany Department
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
The extent of forest and prairie vegetation of Crawford County, Illinois
was mapped using the General Land Office survey notes of 1805 and 1821.
Forest was the most extensive vegetation type covering 39.6% of the county
followed by prairie (35.0%), savannah (20.1 %), and barrens (5.3%). Thirty-one
species and four species groups [Carya Nutt. (hickories), Ulmus L. (elms),
Fraxinus [Tourn.] L. (ashes) and Betula L. (birches)]
were listed in the original survey notes as witness and/or line trees, Quercus
alba L. (white oak), Quercus velutina Lam. (black
oak), Carya spp. elms, and Acer saccharinum L. (silver maple),
respectively, were the dominant species in the forest and savannah. White
oak, black oak, hickories, Acer saccharum (sugar maple0, and Fagus
grandifolia (beech), respectively, were the dominant species in the
barrens. Tree density (trees/ha) for the forest, savannah, end barrens
was 149.7, 18.2, and 29.7 respectively. White oak was also the dominant
species among line trees followed by black oak, hickories, poplar, and
silver maple. Corylus americana Walt. (hazelnut) had the highest
frequency for understory shrubs and was associated with the forest-prairie
interface and savannah. A large wet prairie bordered the Wabash river and
covered approximately 17 square miles. Numerous ponds were associated with
the old river channels of the Embarras River and a least one extensive
slough, approximately 3 miles long, was associated with Wabash River. Several
of these wetland areas still exist.
Oak
Woodland Statistics From A Forest Survey Of Central Oklahoma
James F. Rosson. Jr.
USDA, Forest Service
Southern Research Station
201 Lincoln Green
P.O. Box 906
Starkville, MS 39759
Tel: (601) 324-1611
Forest surveys have been conducted in the United States by the USDA Forest
Service since 1928 under authorization of the McSweeney-McNary Act. This
Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to report to the appropriate
committees of Congress on the condition of the nation's forests (forest
area, volume, growth, removals, and appropriate forest trends). Traditionally,
these surveys have been conducted on commercial forest land that is available
for harvesting because of the inherent value and society's economic dependence
on the timber resource. In Oklahoma, only the 18 eastern counties have
been surveyed periodically because of the belief that forest lands to the
west of this region were scarce and unproductive. Recent interest in habitat/ecosystem
protection and increasing industrial demand for wood resources have brought
attention to woodland areas such as those in central Oklahoma. Subsequently,
the Oklahoma Division of Forestry has noted a trend of increasing interest
in the status of the forest resources in central and western Oklahoma.
A serious problem was that baseline data was not available to formulate
policies and guide legislative action necessary to manage and protect the
forest resources in this part of the State. Ground- based surveys are expensive,
and to initialize a survey under existing budgets required an integrated
approach involving the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Oklahoma
Division of Forestry, and the Southern Research Station Forest Survey.
Presented are the techniques used to monitor these woodlands, problems
encountered in conducting extensive surveys on a large scale, and results
of this initial survey. Preliminary findings show 367,739 ha of woodland
in central and western Oklahoma. The predominant forest type is Quercus
stellata--Q. marilandica, occurring on 96 percent of woodland area. Most
of these stands are poletimber size (214,929 ha), but 81,706 ha are sapling-
seedling size, and 71,103 ha are sawtimber size. Stocking for most stands
appears adequate (177,658 ha with a basal area (BA) of 14-20 m2/ha), but
there are 116,024 ha with <14 m2/ha of BA. These woodland stands average
16 m3/ha with Q. stellata Wangenh. making up 75 percent of stand volume.
Stand growth is averaging 0.24 m3/ha/yr. While the survey also showed 387,852
ha of upland timberland, the gradual gradient from timberland to woodland
made classifications difficult in some cases. The Forest Service defines
timberland as lands capable of producing I .4 m3/ha/yr of wood from growing-stock
trees; lands that have > 10 percent cover in trees but growing <1.4
m3/ha/yr are classed as woodland. Assessing productivity in the field can
be difficult due to the lack of productivity studies and subsequent site
index curves to apply to stands in central Oklahoma.
Effects
Of Prescribed Fire On Hardwood Regeneration In Shelterwood Stands
Patrick Keyser
Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
HC 06, Box 46
Farmville, VA 23901
Patrick Brose and David Van Lear
Department of Forest Resources
Clemson University
Clemson, SC 29634
Shelterwood harvesting of oak stands on intermediate and mesic sites often
fails to regenerate oak (Quercus spp.) because less-desired species rapidly
occupy the site. A pilot study was conducted to test the hypothesis that shelterwood harvests in mixed hardwood forests followed 2-4 years later
with a prescribed fire would correct this oak regeneration failure.
Two mixed-hardwood stands previously harvested using the shelterwood
system were each divided into burned and unburned units. All four units
were systematically inventoried for advance regeneration using permanent
plots before and after a growing season fire. The fire caused the oak regeneration
to decline slightly while yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipitera), red
maple (Acer rubrum), and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) regeneration
declined dramatically. Understories in both stands became more open with
oaks dominating the advanced regeneration pool. These encouraging results
spawned a more comprehensive study, now in progress, to examine the possibilities
of using prescribed fire with shelterwood harvesting to favor oak regeneration.
Fire
Effects On Woody Species Within Dry Oak Savanna At Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore*
Pamela K. Benjamin
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304
Tel: (219) 926-7561 ext. 336
Kenneth L. Cole
National Biological Service/CPSU
University of Minnesota, St. Paul
1530 N. Cleveland Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55100
Tel: (612) 624-4296
Noel B. Pavlovic
National Biological Service
Lake Michigan Ecological Station
1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304
Tel: (219) 926-8336
In 1985, a long-term fire effects study was initiated within a prairie-oak
woodland complex at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Between 1986 and
1991, eight prescribed fires were conducted to examine the influence of
differing fire frequencies on vegetational communities within the complex.
Burn treatments established included: (1) control treatment (CT-no burns),
(2) low frequency burn treatment (LFT-three burns), and (3) high frequency
burn treatment (HFT-five burns). Within black oak (Quercus velutina) dominated
savanna communities, five 0.01 hectare study plots were established for
each of the burning regimes. Tree density, basal area (BA), sprout density,
shrub cover, and fire intensity were measured annually for woody species
between 1985-1988, and in 1991.
Measurements of fire intensity during prescribed burn events demonstrated
that each community type produced a characteristic profile of temperature
above ground; however, significant between plot variability also occurred
within each community type. Tree crown mortality was correlated with fire
temperature and tree diameter. Canopy cover was reduced within both the
LF and HF fire treatments, although total mortality of black oak was not
significant.
The control treatment showed an increasing trend in basal area between
1985 and 1991, predominately due to increases in black oak BA. Within the
HFT total basal area was reduced by 9% after the first burn in 1986 and
reached a maximum reduction in BA of 18% after the second prescribed fire
in 1987. Similarly, total BA was reduced by 10% within the LFT in 1986
and reached a maximum reduction of 20% after a second burning event in
1989 as compared to 1985 pre-burn conditions. While smaller diameter trees
(DBH = 2.5-5.0 cm) of fire intolerant species (red maple, sour-gum, black
cherry, and choke cherry) and black oak were either eliminated or significantly
reduced in BA within both the HF and LF treatments, larger diameter black
oaks (DBH > 7.0 cm) continued to display a slow increase in BA within both
of the established burning regimes.
For both the LF and HF burn treatments, total percent shrub cover was
initially reduced the year of a fire event and then displayed increases
during on-burn years due to sprouting by top-killed black oak and sassafras
(Sassafras albidum). Initial annual burning within the HF burn treatment
(1986-1988) appears to have been most effective in reducing overall shrub
cover, even though cover increases were noted once burning became less
frequent (every 2 years) within this treatment. The existing long-term
data set demonstrates several vegetational trends both correlated to, and
independent of, the fire treatments.
Vegetation
of Some Oak Barren Remnants in Central and Western Illinois
William E. McClain
Division of Natural Heritage
Illinois Department of Conservation
Springfield, IL 62701
Tel: (217) 782-2665
John E. Ebinger
Botany Department
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL 61920
Tel: (217) 581-3525
The vegetation of three dry-mesic barren remnants (McKee Creek Barrens,
Shoal Creek Barrens, Argyle Hollow Barrens) was examined. Tree densities
at these sites ranged from 208 to 392 stems/ha (>10 cm dbh), and basal
area from 20.4 to 26.6 m2/ha. Quercus alba L. (white oak) and Q. stellata Wangh. (post oak) dominated the overstory at all sites, accounting
for more than 80% of the basal area, and with importance values of 145
or more (IV 200). Other species occasionally encountered included Q. velutina Lam. (black oak),
Q. rubra L. (red oak), Carya ovata
(Mill.) K. Koch (shagbark hickory) and C. tomentosa (Poir.) Nutt.
(mockernut hickory). Most trees were between 25 and 45 cm dbh, but some
exceeded 75 cm dbh. Many of the larger trees had an open-grown appearance,
commonly with some large lower branches within 4 m of the ground. Overstory
cover ranged from 60 to 87% depending on the site and the management practices.
All barrens were managed using periodic burns, resulting in the sites having
a park-like appearance. As a result, relatively few shrubs and saplings
were found on the sites. Numerous woody seedlings (<40 cm tall) were
present, however, commonly exceeding 17,000 stems/ha. On parts of the sites
that had been recently burned, saplings were uncommon, with small saplings
(<2.5 cm dbh) averaging less than 1,500 stems/ha, and large saplings
(>2.5 cm dbh) averaging fewer than 200 stem/lha. On sites that had not
recently burned small saplings exceeded 7,000 stem/lha. while large saplings
exceeded 700 stems/ha. The herbaceous layer consisted of a mixture of forest
and prairie species with the most frequently encountered being Aster anomalus
Engelm., Carex pensylvanica Lam., Carex muhlenbergii Wield., Danthonia
spicata (L.) Roem. & Schultes, Helianthus divaricatus L., Rosa carolina
L., and Solidago ulmifolia Muhl. Herbaceous cover was usually exceeded
60%, and where the canopy was open, prairie species were common.
Historical
Changes in a Hardwood Foregt-Tall Grass Prairie Ecotone in Oklahoma
Tania L. Criner, David M. Engle
Terrance G. Bidwell, Ronald E. Masters
Oklahoma State University
Department of Agronomy
Stillwater, OK 74078
Tel: (405) 744-6410
Temporal analysis of landscape cover types and landscape structure was
conducted on a hardwood forest-tallgrass prairie ecotone in northern Oklahoma.
A geographic information system (GIS) was used with 1990 aerial photography
and 1900 General Land Office survey maps to document temporal changes in
landscape cover types and landscape structure, to determine if landscape
changes occurred more in an urban-influenced or rural landscape, and to
determine if fragmentation had been selective for one of the matrix cover
types. Landscape cover types and landscape structure generally changed
in the same direction for both urban-influenced and rural landscapes, but
the proportion of change differed. Decreases in cropland, native grassland,
and deciduous forest were offset by increases in human impact areas, intensively
managed land, brush treated land, roads, water, and bare ground. Intensively
managed land, which was not present in either landscape in 1900, increased
to cover 31% of the urban- influenced landscape in 1990. The addition of
3 human- influenced cover types resulted in increased diversity and decreased
dominance on both landscapes with the largest change on the rural landscape.
Patch perimeter complexity increased on both landscapes as a result of
decreased cropland and increased brush treatment of forested land. Mean
patch size decreased by more than 80% on both urban-influenced and rural
landscapes, indicating that fragmentation occurred equally on both landscapes
from 1900 to 1990. Mean patch size decreased by approximately 90% for both
grassland and deciduous forests, suggesting that fragmentation was not
selective for vegetation type. Documentation of temporal changes in landscape
cover types and structure provided by this study will aid ecologists in
understanding the past to help manage the future of the landscape.
"Fire Dependent" Plants in a Closed Canopy Oak-Hickory Forest
Jennifer K. Grabner
Missouri Department of Conservation
Rt. 2, P.O. Box 198
Ellington, MO 63638
Tel: (314) 663-7130
Gwenlyn Waller
Missouri Department of Conservation
George O. White State Nursery
14027 Shafer Road
Tel: (314) 674-3229
Brian Brookshire
Missouri Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Tel: (314) 751-4115
Herbaceous plant communities are an indicator of the quality of an oak
savanna. Moreover, herbaceous plant communities could be used as an indicator
for considering savanna restoration sites. This paper will utilize Missouri
Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project herbaceous data to determine the abundance
of ''fire dependent" plants that exist on northeast & southwest slopes
of closed canopy oak-pine and oak hickory Ozark forests. We will not suggest
oak savanna restoration sites, but rather generate discussion concerning
the suitability of closed canopy oak-pine and oak- hickory forests for
savanna conversion. Furthermore, we will propose questions regarding the
proper balance of oak savannas versus closed canopy forests.
SESSION B
Management of Oak Savanna/Woodland Ecosystems
MODERATORS: Lynn Corbitt, Mark Twain National Forest, and Mark Kennedy,
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Using
Regional Planning and GIS to Identify Potential, Savanna/Woodland Sites in North Missouri
Steve Westin and Carl Hauser
Missouri Department of Conservation
P. O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Tel: (314) 751-4115
Union Ridge Conservation Area (URCA) is an 8,479 acre tract in North Missouri
purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation in 1989. Through a
regional planning process involving analysis of pre-settlement prairie maps,
current land cover, topography and soils, URCA was selected as a candidate
for restoration of oak savannas and woodlands in a prairie-savanna-forest
mosaic. An ecologic land classification system (ECS) based on topographic
position and soil characteristics was developed for the areas The ecological
land types from the ECS were generalized somewhat to produce definitions
of ecological management units (EMU). Delineation of EMUs was accomplished
using ARC/INFO GIS software to perform landform analysis in conjunction with
soil characteristics. ARC/INFO's TOPOGRID routine was used to produce a
digital elevation model (DEM) from 20 foot interval elevation contours.
The GRID module was used to analyze slope, curvature, and aspect from the
DEM to produce an EMU map for URCA EMUs were combined with current vegetation
to select both landscape level and site level restoration units. GIS will
be further used to track the data resulting from a recently installed fire
management monitoring system.
Adaptive
Management for Landscape Scale Savanna Restoration
Alan Haney
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin -Stevens Point
Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
Tel: (715) 346-2955
Gary Larsen,
ITAM Coordinator
Fort McCoy
Fort McCoy, Wisconsin 54656
Tel: (608) 388-2252
Many critical questions remain regarding landscape distribution of oak
savannas, their disturbances frequency and intensity, and relationships
to other regional ecosystems. As oak savannas are restored to the landscape,
adaptive management is essential. This paper reviews an adaptive management
approach, including development of an effective monitoring system incorporating
remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), to guide landscape
scale restoration and management.
Preliminary GIS data layers include soil, hydrology, topography, cultural,
and vegetation information. If a vegetation database is unavailable, a
database must be prepared from aerial photographs. Ortho-rectified photograph
are much more useful, and in many areas can be cost-shared with counties.
Using GIS, the landscape is stratified by combining soils and vegetation
layers. Random sample points are allocated by soil/vegetation type. Points
are located in the field with a geographic positioning system (GPS). Fifty
meter line transects are systematically established at each point for collecting
detailed vegetation data, as well as information on soils, slope, hydrology,
and litter. These data are used to refine preliminary databases and statiscally
describe vegetation. These are also permanent monitoring plots for evaluating
changes resulting from management actions.
Surveys also provide diversity information and document changes in ecosystem
composition and structure. Monitoring and documentation of ecosystem responses
to management should be as important as any other restoration activity.
Restoring
the Shortleaf Pine-Bluestem Ecosystem in the Quachita Mountains
Bill Pell
Ecologist/Ecosystem Management Coordinator
Quachita National Forest
P.O. Box 1270
Hot Springs, AR 71902
Decades of fire suppression and fire exclusion nearly
eliminated open,
grassy forests and associated animal life in the Quatchita Mountains by
the early 1970's. Fragments of the shortleaf pine-bluestem grass ecosystem
have reappeared following years of active habitat management activities
that originally focused almost exclusively on the needs of the red cockaded
woodpecker. Studies indicate that this is one of the most species-rich
ecosystems in the Interior Highlands, and the many species in decline would
benefit from landscape-scale restoration. The Quachita National Forest seeks
to achieve this very result by establishing a management area specifically
for restoration of shortleaf pine-bluestem and long-term recovery of the
red-cockeyed woodpecker. Key elements include restoration of more mature,
more open, and less fragmented forests, the use of fire in both dormant
and growing seasons, and judicious application of thinning and irregular
shelterwood harvests.
The
Effect of Canopy Cover on Oak Savanna Habitat Use by the Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly
Noel B. Pavlovic1, Ralph Grundel, and Christina L. Sulzman
Lake Michigan Ecological Station
National Biological Service
1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304
Tel: (219) 926-8336
Controversy surrounds the designation of Midwest oak savanna as a distinct
community type. We examined habitat use patterns of the Karner blue butterfly
(Lycaeides melissa samuelis) to determine whether this endangered species
benefits from canopy characteristics of oak savanna. Adult males predominantly
used canopy openings while females used a broad range of canopy covers.
Oviposition occurred most frequently in areas of moderate and heavy canopy
cover. Frequency of larval feeding on the sole hostplant, wild lupine (Lupinus
perennis), increased with increasing lupine size and increasing lupine
density. In turn, lupine size increased with increasing shade and lupine
density increased with increasing sun exposure. Rates of larval growth
were highest on shade grown lupine and on early season sun growing plants.
These results indicate that for larvae tradeoffs exist between lupine quality
and quantity as both are affected, often in opposite directions, by canopy
cover and that adults require a wide range of canopy covers. The Karner
blue butterfly requires units of canopy openings and highly shaded sites
repeating over the landscape suggesting that this species benefits from
the canopy heterogeneity characteristic of oak savanna.
__________________________________________________
1 Noel Pavlovic is an ecologist with research experience in endangered
species ecology and restoration, and savanna ecology, dynamics, and restoration.
An
Environmental Education/Interpretation Master Plan For Sites With Oak Savanna
Sarah Ibershof
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens
Point Stevens Point, WI 54481
Tel: (715) 346-2209
Environmental education/interpretation is an integral part of resource
management. Through education and interpretation, an agency can enhance
its image and promote stewardship of the site. Education and interpretation
can address controversial practices associated with restoration, such as
fire and clearcutting, and promote understanding of such practices for
protecting biodiversity.
Before developing an environmental education/interpretation master plan
for oak savannas, market analyses should be conducted to define user groups
and their respective needs. This paper reviews the results of market analyses
of six of the Legacy sites that have been targeted for oak savanna restoration.
In addition, preliminary plans for an environmental education/interpretation
program for oak savannas will be presented.
Between late spring 1995 and fall 1995, qualitative data was collected
from each of the Legacy sites. Focus groups with agency staff, recreation
users, and local citizens discussed the following three questions:
-
Audience: Who is the environmental education/interpretation for?
-
Message: What do we want to tell them?
-
Media: How can we best communicate those messages?
In addition, site analysis forms were used to reveal significant interpretive
features, themes, and potential media on the site
Market analysis and site analysis will be used to develop an environmental
education/interpretation master plan for sites with oak savanna. The plan
will include interpretive themes, interpretive delivery matrix, appropriate
media, and timelines. A media packet containing feature articles, press
releases, and a resource list will be provided for participants. In addition,
a video segment on the Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis),
one part of a video on oak savannas, will be shown.
Small
Scale Approach to Experimental Management Of A Minnesota Oak Savanna:
Preliminary Report
Bonnie Brooks Erpelding 1
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
2300 Silver Creek Rd. NE
Rochester, MN 55902
Tel: (507) 285-7435
Cynthia Lane 2
University of Minnesota, Conservation Biology
1980 Folwell Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55108
Tel: (612) 624-3423
Jon Cole 3
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Rt 2, Box 333
Altura, MN 55910
Tel: (507) 932-4133
The Whitewater Management Area Area in southeastern Minnesota currently
supports one of the best quality oak savannas in Minnesota, as well as
the only known Karner blue butterfly (Lycacides melissa samuelis)
population in the state. A Karner blue/Oak Savanna management plan has
been drafted for this site based on research on the Karner blue butterfly
and oak savanna community. The plan calls for two approaches to Oak Savanna
restoration: 1.) A "small scale" experimental approach to test methods
for improving degraded savanna and increasing the size of Karner blue habitat
patches, and 2.) A larger scale landscape approach where natural disturbance
processes, such as fire, are reestablished
This paper reports on the small scale approach.
Experimental management methods were applied adjacent to Karner blue
occupied sites in 1994. Four treatments were applied on 24, 0.4 acre plots;
pre and post-treatment data were collected on the vegetation, canopy closure,
and Karner blue butterfly population.
Preliminary results indicate that the combination burning and girdling
treatment resulted in a more open canopy the subsequent year than either
practice accomplished by itself. Topography and fuel loading primarily
dictated the intensity of the bums. Subsequent years of data collection
and analysis are required to fully assess the response of the oak savanna
flora and Karner blue butterfly populations to the four treatments. Results
from this experiment may be used to guide future management of the oak
savanna on a larger scale.
_________________________________________________
1 Nongame Wildlife Specialist for Southeastern Minnesota since 1989.
2 Principal Investigator of Karner Blue/Oak Savanna research project since
1991.
3 Wildlife Manager for The Whitewater Wildlife Management Area since 1983.
TRIFOLIUM REFLEXUM: A NATIVE CLOVER ALTERNATIVE
Using
Buffalo Clover in Select Management Situations
Ethel E. Hickey
Mark Twain National Forest
401 Fairgrounds Road
Rolla, MO 65401
Tel: (313) 364-4621
In any effort to manage our Nation's natural resources, processes that
create and maintain biodiversity are essential. Losses in diversity have
been created by species eliminations and species introductions. Buffalo
clover Trifolium reflexum a native legume once widespread across
the eastern two-thirds of the United States, is now listed as extirpated,
endangered or threatened over half its original range. If we continue to
introduce and spread exotic clover species on private, State and Federal
lands because we have no alternatives, this and other native species may
exist only on protected lands. The purpose of this investigation was to
study the biology of naturally occurring populations while examining potential
uses for buffalo clover in select situations as an alternative to exotic
clover use.
A diagrammatic presentation of the preliminary results illustrating
the phenology of germination, the success of different cohorts, and consequences
for contrasting life histories. These observations provide insights into
the plant success, propagation timing, and cultivation of buffalo clover
as a biennial.
The four select situations for buffalo clover use are: warm season grass
plantings for forage and/or wildlife, species enrichment in savanna and
flatwoods restoration, wildlife forage plots, and reclamation areas where
use of native species are required. Photographs of the root system development
and nitrogen fixing nodules display this species potential for use in reclamation
areas and as a legume component of warm-season grass plantings. Buffalo
clover is presented visually as a component of two natural plant communities,
pine savanna and oak flatwoods, where it may be used for species enrichment
in restoration efforts. Buffalo clover may be used as a replacement for
the exotic clovers in wildlife forage plantings. It produces an over wintering
leafy rosette. A study is in progress for developing vegetative islands
for wildlife in timber harvest stands. Deer, rabbits and turkey have already
shown a preference for this species in early winter and at first bud stage.
Experimental plantings have been located in grouse high use areas. The
percent plant consumption and phonological preference will be monitored
beginning November 1995.
At first, the task of replacing native species for standard exotic species
may be arduous and more expensive than the quick fix non-natives. However,
costs will be differed when removal of aggressive exotic plant species and
reseeding are considered. Using buffalo clover instead of Alsike or red
clover will also provide an important element in impeding the decline in
our Nation's biodiversity.
Validation
of BEHAVE Grass Fuel Models in Oak Savannas
Keith W. Grabner and Dr. John P. Dwyer
University of Missouri-Columbia
1-30 Agriculture Building
Columbia, Mo 65211
Tel: (314) 882-4095 or (314) 882-3537
BEHAVE, a fire behavior model developed by the U. S. Forest Service, predicts
fire behavior based on site, weather, and fuel information. Fire behavior
predictions are rate-of- spread, flame length, and fire line intensity.
BEHAVE can be a valuable tool for planning prescribed fires, but BEHAVE
predictions have not been validated in Missouri. One objective of this
study was to assess the reliability of the BEHAVE grass fuel models for
predicting fire behavior in existing oak savannas.
Five savanna sites were chosen in southern Missouri. Sites were to be
treated with prescribed fire between November 1994 and May 1995. Procedures
were developed to sample fuel, fuel moisture, weather, and fire behavior.
These data were used as input to make BEHAVE predictions. Predicted fire
behavior was compared to observed fire behavior and the prediction reliability
was assessed.
The
Use of Class A Foam in Midwestern Prescribed Fires
Robert Stanton
Prescribed Fire Consulting
3605 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL 60521
Tel: (708) 323-6359
Prescribed fire managers have a variety of tools available to manipulate
fire for ecological restoration purposes. This paper (presentation) will
review the basics of Class A foam technology and how it can be applied
in midwestern oak savanna and woodland ecosystems. Class A foam is a surfactant
specifically designed to break the surface tension of water at low (.3
- .5% ) concentrations. This allows water to penetrate fuels better. At
higher (.5 - I %) concentrations air can be entrained to the water stream
to create a foam solution. The type, wetness, consistency, and physical
properties of the foam can be modified through its concentration and application.
Foam solutions can be tank mixed, proportioned, or injected at either
the pump or nozzle. Systems for foam application range from high tech balanced
pressure proportioners to "Ortho" sprayettes and tank mixing. Pros and
cons of several approaches will be made.
Tactics for foam use will vary. Structures, improvements or critical
wildlife snags can be easily protected with foam. Smoke management in some
areas is a concern. The use of foam to protect downed logs, stumps, or
other material that will smolder can reduce smoke production. Aggressive
mop up with foam can quickly reduce smoke.
Fire management in critical habitat for threatened or endangered species
requires special approaches. At the 1994 Savanna Conference both Swengel
and Shuey referred to the need to preserve patch dynamics for the preservation
of endangered species such as Karner Blue butterfly (Lycacides melissa
samuelis). Pyrodiversity within burn units is often a challenge due to
both crew safety and other constraints. A review of available toxicity
and community response studies involving foam use will be discussed.
Vegetation
Changes in Managed Versus Unmanaged Units of a High Quality Old Growth Savanna Remnant
Rick Savage
Lincoln University
P.O. Box 21, Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0029
Tel: (314) 681-5534
Felix Ponder, Jr.
North Central Forest Experiment Station
208 Foster Hall, Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0029
Tel: (314) 681-5575
Ken McCarty
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 176
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
Tel: (314) 751-8660
Turkey Pen Hollow Savanna Natural Area is a 956 acre remnant savanna in
the central Missouri Ozarks. This is a high quality remnant that retained
a large proportion of the old-growth tree structure and herbaceous species
diversity. Regional fire suppression had allowed development of an understory
tree layer of oak saplings, hickory, and sassafras prior to its acquisition
as a state park in 1976. Prescribed bums began in 1984 on most of this
area. Monitoring plots were established in 1989 on adjacent burned and
unburned units. Three pairs of permanent nested plots were established
to monitor vegetation changes on these units. Data was collected on species
frequencies in the tree, shrub, and herbaceous layers. Soil nutrient data
was collected in 1990 and 1991 from the upper then centimeters of the soil
horizon.
Six fires since 1984 maintained the overstory tree density, reduced
understory tree density, reduced woody shrub density, and increased species
richness in the herbaceous layer in the intensely managed Lodge Glade Unit.
Values for all these factors remained mostly unchanged in the adjacent,
essentially unmanaged Turkey Pen Hollow Unit. Understory tree and
shrub densities were comparatively much higher, and herbaceous densities
much lower, in the unmanaged area after eight years. With the exception
of P, burning had little effect on soil nutrients. Phosphorus was lower in samples taken after
the burn rather that before. However, Na, although not affected by burning,
was higher in pre-fire samples that in post-fire samples.
Prescribed fires in this instance made significant differences in structure
and composition of this old growth savanna remnant, and seem largely responsible
for maintaining its savanna characteristics.
SESSION C
Monitoring of Oak Savanna/Woodland Ecosystems
MODERATORS: Karen Kramer, Missouri Department of Conservation and Larry
Larson, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
An Interagency
Fire Monitoring Database
George W. Hartman, Fire Ecologist
Missouri Department Of Conservation
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180
Tel: (314) 751-4115 x 624
The effects of using prescribed fire in wooded systems such as oak savannahs
and woodlands, though a historic disturbance, has not been extensively
studied. The variability of fire effects due to different fire regimes
and ecological land types is sufficient that any one agency will require
many years of research to develop a working knowledge of the tool. Also,
existing studies of vegetative responses use such a variety of sampling
criteria and size classes that comparisons between studies are difficult.
To attempt to overcome the variability factors and speed out overall knowledge
on the best ways to use fire in restoration and management projects, nine
different agencies have cooperated toward building a database on fire effects
that can be used by all the agencies to speed our collective learning.
The first step, which I report on today, is creation of a common repository
on what is being studied, who is conducting the work, sampling criteria,
study objectives, project duration, etc. This access to current research
will allow the design of new projects that complement existing/ongoing
studies and will provide an access point for comprehensive information
on current fire effects study. The magnitude of this project will limit
the initial database to studies in Missouri and surrounding lands. Once
we get this first product online and usable, we will evaluate other options
for increasing our collective learning concerning on fire effects in Midwestern
communities/fuels.
Identifying
Ecological Structure in Oak Groves: A Prerequisite to Proper Sampling
Dr. Thomas B. Simpson. Ecologist
The Morton Arboretum
Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532
Tel: (708) 719-2458
Oak groves are complex mosaics of ecosystems, structured by the modern
and historic movement of wind, water, and fire through the system. Identifying
and mapping this structure prior to sampling is essential to recovering
the maximum of useful information. Morton Arboretum woodlands comprise
8 distinct oak savanna/woodland ecosystem types. Mapping of ecosystem types
is based on landform, soil, and remnant vegetation. Multi-factor ecological
land classifications, such as the one applied here, have long been used
in Europe as tools of forest management. Division of the grove into ecologically
based strata prevents the confusion of data referring to several distinct
savanna/woodland ecosystems. Lumping together three grove ecosystems in
the Arboretum, all of which occur on similar well-drained soil, we describe
relative basal area (trees > 10 cm dbh) of the combined area as: white
oak (Quercus alba), 31 %; red oak (Quercus rubra), 18%; bur
oak (Quercus macrocarpa), 15%; sugar maple (Acer saccharum),
15%; and others, 21%. By separating this larger area into ecological strata
prior to sampling, we describe the same area as composed of three distinctively
different vegetations. The first is dominated by bur oak (52%); the second
by white oak (48%), and the third by sugar maple (40%). Both sampling approaches
provide accurate statistics for the area(s) they define, but the generalized
sample fails to recognize or describe ecological diversity within the area.
Landscape ecosystem approaches improve the efficiency of sampling and help
land managers develop site-specific management strategies to enhance/restore
ecological diversity.
Gradients
In Understory Composition And Structure In Remnant Wisconsin Oak Savannas
Mark Leach
The Nature Conservancy
Illinois Field Office
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Tel: (608) 274-1452
Thomas Givnish
Department of Botany and University Arboretum
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI 53706
Tel: (608) 274-3819
Oak savannas were once the most widespread plant communities in the Midwest,
but surprisingly little is known about the composition, structure, and
horizontal patterning of their species-rich understories. Most earlier
studies are suspect because "savannas" were identified by the presence
and abundance of prairie grasses, leading to possible circularity. And,
with one exception, no previous study has related the distribution of individual
species to reliable measures of light availability and soil texture/fertility.
We related understory composition and structure to gradients in light regime,
soil texture, slope, aspect, and management history in 12 remnant savannas.
Remnants were sampled if they had (i) a scattered canopy dominated by open-grown
oaks; and (ii) a groundlayer dominated by native species in open and shaded
microsites. Most sites have been burned repeatedly during the last decade.
Species coverages, heights, and % flowering/fruiting were estimated in
early and late summer in 50 to 100 permanent I m 2 quadrats at each site;
the light regime above each quadrat was estimated via computer analysis
of hemispherical photographs. Species showed individualistic distributions
along light gradients within sites, and along soil gradients among sites.
Most species reached their peak coverage under sunny and partially shady
conditions; the pattern for flowering and fruiting is similar, but skewed
toward for temperate woodland communities (at Genesee, averaging 18 m 2,
with some quadrats having more than 30 species), but overall richness is
fairly even across the light gradient. It appears that most species that
are abundant somewhere in a savanna remnant have a fairly wide distribution
along the light gradient.
Distribution
of Plant Species Along Light and Soil Gradients in Wisconsin
Brian Pruka
University of Wisconsin - Madison
A
Summary of Savanna Development Studies at Knob Noster State Park, Johnson County, Missouri
Dr. David Castaner, S. Larabee, M. Campbell and W. Taylor
Biology Department
Central Missouri State University
Warrensburg, MO 64093-5053
Knob Noster State Park, Johnson County, Missouri, located at the junction
of Osage Plains and Dissected Till Plains, consists mainly of oak-hickory
forest. In pre-settlement times, the park was primarily savanna-like open
oak woodlands, probably maintained by Native- American fire practices.
Since establishment in the 1940's, the park has been relatively undisturbed.
Starting in the 1980's, DNR selected areas in the Clearfork area were thinned
by removing 75% of the canopy; a nearby comparable area was left unthinned.
Both sites were burned periodically. In 1993, permanent m2 plots were established
along three survey lines within each site. Herbaceous vegetation, vines
and saplings were recorded at each plot; comparable untreated sites were
surveyed in the same manner. In the unthinned and burned lines, 31 species
were found with a total coverage of 598; Desmodium glutinosum (42%
relative cover), Amphicarpa bracteata (14%), and Carex complanta
(12%) were the dominants. In the unthinned but burned fines, 47 species
were found with a total coverage of 1402; Desmodium glutinosum (19%), Muhlenbergia sobolifera (19%),
Solidago ulimfolia (14%),
and Carex complanata (14%) were the dominants. In the thinned and
burned fines, 61 species were found with a total coverage of 2466; Helianthus
hirsutus (14%), Muhlenbergia sobolifera (12%), Solidago ulmifolia
(12%), and Desmodium paniculatum (12%) were the dominants. Numbers
of species and the percentage of total herbaceous ground cover increased
substantially in thinned and/or burned plots. Some species, such as
Helianthus hirsutus, showed dramatic changes in presence and coverage. In another
study, six sites were burned for two years; one-half of each plot was thinned.
So far differences in vegetation have been correlatable to burning but
not thinning.
Grouping
Tree Species in the Mixed Forests of North Alabama
Brian Oswald. Lianjun Zhang and Thomas A. Green
Alabama A&M University
Normal, Alabama 35762
Tel: (205) 851-5462
Cluster analysis was applied to data from 48 half-acre plots in the mixed
upland hardwood/oak forests of north Alabama in an effort to evaluate community
structure and stand composition. Three variables (number of trees, summation
of tree DBH, and squared DBH) were utilized in clustering procedures to
separate 24 species into four groups or clusters. The relationship between
the clusters and species shade tolerance is investigated. The results from
the cluster analysis were also compared with the grouping of the species
based on a tree area ratio model developed in a previous study.
Estimating
Tree Crown Cover In Oak Savannas
Paul S. Johnson and Jay R. Law
North Central Forest Experiment Station
USDA Forest Service
1-26 Agriculture Building
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri 65211
Tel: (314) 875-5341
Robert Rogers
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin/Stevens Point
Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
Tel: (715) 346-4192
Tree crown cover in midwestern savannas and open woodlands can be estimated
from bole diameters using crown area equations or charts Estimation is
facilitated by crown cover equations for 12 species including the oak hickory
(Quercus-Carya) group, and a crown cover chart applicable to the species
group. Estimates based on the equations require an inventory of tree diameters.
Estimates based on the chart can be efficiently obtained by point sampling
to estimate tree basal area per acre or hectare together with counting
trees on fixed-area plots to estimate numbers of trees per unit area. Because
of the high correlation between the crown diameters of open- grown trees
and their bole diameters, either method should provide accurate and reproducible
estimates of crown area where crown closure is incomplete and there is
little or no overlap in tree crowns.
Historic
and Present Barrens Restoration Efforts at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
Richard King and Rebecca Power
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
W7996 20th Street West
Necedah, WI 54646-7531
Tel: (608) 565-4402
Oak barrens once dominated the uplands of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.
Fire suppression efforts began 1939 when the refuge was created and resulted
in replacement of the oak barrens by closed canopy stands of oak and jack
pine. By the 1950's, most of the barrens habitat and associated species
were gone. Beginning in the mid1960's and continuing through the mid-1970's,
the refuge attempted to restore approximately 20,000 ha of oak barrens.
Restorations were attempted using a variety of techniques, some of which
are still in use. The cumulative effects of restoration techniques and
historical use of the landscape were evaluated using current Karner blue
butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) abundance, bird and herbaceous
species richness, and diversity of the herb layer (H'). One unit that has
been maintained as an open barrens for over 60 years by oak wilt (Ceratocystis
fagacearum) is shown for comparison. Further analysis is underway to
correlate restoration techniques with measures of restoration
Units restored with clear-cuts followed by frequent fires (yearly) and
herbicide application to oak grubs have low plant species richness and
diversity but have high concentrations of Karner blue butterflies. Units
that were restored with selective cut timber sales followed by burning
(3-5 year rotation) have higher bird species richness, moderate herb layer
diversity, and low herb layer richness and Karner blue butterfly abundance.
Both of these treatment categories were disked and planted at least once
in their history. Units that were clear-cut and herbicided but were burned
less frequently (3-5 year rotation) have high plant species richness and
diversity and high Karner concentrations. Units similarly harvested and
burned, but not herbicided, showed moderate values for all measures, as
did the unit maintained by oak wilt. Parts of all treatment types were
grazed before the refuge was established.
Results of this research illustrate a potential conflict between managing
for diversity in oak barrens communities and managing for a single component
of those communities (ea. birds or butterflies). The Endangered Species
Act makes Karner blue butterfly management a priority. However, feature
species management for the Karner blue butterfly can result in barrens
with low overall diversity. Managers may be forced to choose between optimal
management for an endangered species or management for landscape diversity.
Effect
of Land Management on Nesting Success of Grassland Birds in the Oak Openings Region
Michelle Grigore, Assistant Programs Manager
Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area
5100 West Central Avenue
Toledo, Ohio 43615
Tel: (419) 535-3050
The Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio is being managed for oak savanna
and barrens habitats. Extensive vegetation surveys are in place to document
the change in the plant community, but little was known of the effect of
land management on the avian species. This survey was conducted to understand
the effect of land management on the grassland nesting birds of the Oak
Openings using the MAPS protocol which included point counts, mist netting
and habitat surveys. The study sites consisted of barrens, high quality
savanna and degraded savanna communities which were managed with prescribed
burning, mowing and selective cutting. Pre-- and post-management surveys
were analyzed to determine the effect enlarging the openings had on the
grassland birds. Although two years is not enough time to make definitive
statements about savanna management and grassland birds, a few trends have
been observed. The barrens community proved to be most important for grassland
birds in the Oak Openings. Newly opened barrens sites supported targeted
species like the lark sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) and grasshopper sparrow
(Ammodramus sanannarum) where none were recorded. However, the degraded
savanna, which from a savanna management point of view was less desirable,
supported more and rarer avian species than the higher quality savanna.
This may be due to the greater number of strata in the degraded area. These
semi-shrubby areas were also used extensively by fledgling grassland birds
which moved into this habitat from adjacent barrens. Thus, land managers
may want to consider maximizing habitat diversity when undertaking savanna
management if grassland birds are also to benefit.
Monitoring
Amphibian Populations In The Oak Savanna Community
Michelle Grigore, Assistant Programs Manager
Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area
5100 West Central Avenue
Toledo, Ohio 43615
Tel: (419) 535 3050
Salamanders, frogs and toads can be good indicators of the health of your
community. Declining amphibian populations are of concern to land managers--
but how do you document them? Since 1989, Metroparks has been monitoring
salamander populations in the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio. Using
a combination of drift fence and live traps, the spring survey has provided
qualitative and quantitative population estimates. Beginning in 1994, the
survey was expanded to include singing male frogs. These aural counts are
conducted with volunteers each spring who survey a permanent transect.
This presentation will discuss practical methods for land managers who
want to include amphibians as part of their savanna monitoring program.
SESSION D
Species Response to Management of Oak Savanna/Woodland Ecosystems
MODERATORS: Barbara Moran and Kathy Miles, Mark Twain National Forest
The
Role of Carex pensylvanicain the Degradation of Oak Barrens
Angela Collada and Alan Haney
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
Tel: (715) 346-2209
The ecology of Carex pensylvanica in barrens is poorly understood;
C. pensylvanica generally becomes more abundant during successional
degradation. Two experiments were conducted to ascertain the effect of
C. pensylvanica on the germination and growth of savanna species. Plugs
of sedge from a degraded oak savanna at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
(Juneau County, WI) were placed in clay pots in a greenhouse. Water poured
through these actively growing sedge cultures was used in both experiments.
Seeds of 4 savanna herb species and a commercial lettuce were placed
on filter paper in petri dishes and moistened with either sedge leachate
or deionized water Dishes were placed in a growth chamber at 32° C.
Each species-water treatment was replicated 5 times. The second experiment
tested the effect of bare soil, ground litter, and burned litter (mostly
oak leaves) in combination with sedge leachate or deionized water on germination
from barrens soil in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates
of each treatment. Screened topsoil was placed in 4 in. clay pots. Pots
were watered three times per week. Species were identified at the conclusion
of the experiment.
The chamber experiment was analyzed for radicle growth and percent germination.
The two-way interaction of species and water treatments was significant
(P<0.004) for growth of the radicles. Radicle growth of Aster ericoides
was positively affected by the Carex water while Andropogon scoparius
was not affected. Monarda fi stulosa, Solidago juncea, and commercial
lettuce were negatively affected.
The radicles of lettuce watered with deionized water grew 3 times longer
than the radicles watered with Carex leachate. Overall, mean radicle length
of seeds that germinated in Carex water was half (3.69 mm) that
of the seeds that germinated in the control water (7.24 mm). Carex
water also inhibited germination (P<0.082).
In the greenhouse experiment, both litter (P<0.106) and Carex
leachate (Ps0.082) affected germination, but were no interacted (P<0.436).
Of 18 seedlings that germinated, all but 2 (89%) were Carex. Four
times more Carex germinated with Carex leachate than with
deionized water (13 :3). No seedlings germinated in any of the pots with
burned litter. Bare soil and minced litter had about equal germination.
Although inconclusive, those data suggest the: Carex pensylvanica
inhibits both germination and growth of at least some savanna fortes.
Savanna Blazing Star Growth
Timothy J. Bell
Chicago State University
Chicago, Illinois 60628-1598
Tel: (312) 995-2183
Marlin Bowles and Jenny McBride
The Morton Arboretum
Lisle, Illinois 60532
Tel: (708) 719-2422
The threatened savanna blazing star (Liatris scariosa var.
nieuwlandii)
grows either in partial shade of undisturbed savanna remnants or in full
sun of open disturbed habitat without tall grass cover. In contrast, the
rough blazing star (Liatris aspera) grows in full sun of tall grass
prairie, but rarely in savanna shade. To test the hypothesis that L. scariosa
is restricted to either shady or sparsely vegetated open habitats because
of its low competitive ability and adaptation to shade, nursery grown corms
of these species were grown with and without shade and with and without
grass, both in the field and in greenhouse flats. Field studie were conducted
with L. scariosa at Hickory Creek Barrens, Will County, IL, Forest
Preserve, and with L. aspera at the Schulenberg Prairie restoration,
DuPage County, IL. Growth was measured by comparing preplanting corm weight
with corm weight at the end of the growing season. None of the field grown
L. scariosa corms were recovered, and appear to have been eaten by small
mammals. Growth was significantly higher for L. aspera than for L. scariosa
and significantly increased by absence of grass for both species. However,
shade significantly reduced growth of L. aspera but not L. scariosa. These
results indicate that restriction of L. scariosa to either savanna or sparsely
vegetated prairie habitats is a result of poor ability to compete with
prairie grasses in combination with a comparatively high degree of tolerance
to shade.
Restoration
of an Oak-Hickory Woodland Herbaceous Layer in Southern Wisconsin
Gary A. Birch
Formerly of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Bureau of Endangered Resources
1017 Hyland Drive
Stoughton, Wisconsin 53589
Tel: (608) 266-1017 or (608) 873-8837
In 1961, the state of Wisconsin purchased several hundred acres of land
adjacent to Lake Kegonsa,15 miles southeast of Madison, to form a new state
park. This purchase included an 80-acre oak-hickory-walnut woodland that
was part of a large estate. Management of the woodland previous to state
ownership consisted of grazing by cattle, hogs and horses, and occasional
removal of high value walnut and oak. In 1992, an intensive plant inventory
confirmed an apparent minimal diversity in the herbaceous layer, except
near small, artificially created openings. The inventory also revealed
a dense native and non-native shrub and small tree layer. A detailed area
map developed for all trees greater than 6 inches in diameter revealed
possible former meadows, walnut trees at predictable locations, and a stratified
distribution of tree species, i.e., 135- 155 year old White oak (Quercus
alba) and Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) dominating the canopy
but being engulfed by a 30 year old shrub layer.
Management began in 1993 on a six-acre portion near the middle of the
woodland. This work included removal and girdling of all non-native shrubs
and some native trees (Prunus serotina and Ulmus rubra),
limited chemical application and spring burns. After three growing seasons,
the cleared areas spontaneously developed robust plants not found in the
preliminary plant inventory, including Woodland milkweed (Asclepias exalta),
Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum Hyssop (Agastche nepetoides), a
state threatened plant, and for species of woodland grasses. Other native
plants present previous to management, greatly expanded, and for the first
tin in memory produced large numbers of flowers and seed, including many
sedges (Carex spp J and Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum). Other plants
that were seeded or transplanted have had varying rates of success. Nearby,
untreated areas of the woodland have shown none of these changes and remain
species impoverished.
Influence
of Canopy on Habitat Suitability for the Karn Blue Butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis)
Cynthia Lane
210 Hodson Hall, 1980 Folwell Avenue
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, MN 55108
Tel: (612) 624-3423
Understanding the role of habitat for the Karner blue butterfly provides
the basis for managing Karner blue populations. A kc aspect of Karner blue
habitat is canopy cover which creates microhabitats that effect resource
quantity and quality, natural enemies, and adult thermoregulation. Therefore
the focus of this research has been to examine the influence of canopy cover
on habitat suitability for the Karner blue butterfly.
The influence of canopy cover on adult habitat use was examine via individual
observations, transect counts, simultaneous choice, and egg deposition
experiments from 1991 to 1995. Female butterflies were found to use open
canopied areas, which represent the majority of suitable habitat, for nectaring,
mating and oviposition. For first flight females, however, more eggs were
laid in partial and closed canopy areas. The distribution o females varied
with ambient temperature and cloud cover. On cool days butterflies were
not found in partial to closed canopied areas and egglaying occurred on
plants in the sun at time of oviposition. On hot days, females were much
more distributed throughout the site and were observed ovipositing in the
full range of canopy covers on plants both in the sun and shade. The type
of lupine chosen for egglaying also varied with canopy cover. In open canopied
areas the number of eggs laid on reproductive and non-reproductive stems
was usually similar. In partial and closed canopied areas a much higher
percentage of eggs were laid on the more abundant non- reproductive plants.
Males were most frequently observed in the open canopied are as.
Larval performance in open, partial, and closed canopied treatments
was tested in 1992 and 1993. Research results demonstrated significantly
greater larval survival in closed canopied areas. Three hypotheses are
being examined to explain these differences: 1) lupine qualify, 2) lupine
quantify, 3) physical effects of shade, and 4) differential natural enemy
impacts. Laboratory feeding studies conducted to test the influence of
lupine quality found that for certain measures, performance was better
on lupine from shade grown and phenologically younger plants, and poorer
on open xeric grown plants. Larval survival did not vary significantly
for dense and sparse lupine treatments, and larvae did not deplete leaves
on one lupine plant unless that stem senesced -- which tends to occur earlier
in xeric open canopied areas. Preliminary analysis is presented on the
physical effects of shade and natural enemy distribution and abundance.
The results of this research indicate that oviposition in optimal microhabitats
for immatures is constrained by adult thermoregulatory needs and in some
cases by lupine abundance. Weather conditions must be above certain temperature
thresholds to enable females to oviposit in partial and closed canopy.
Given suitable thermoregulatory conditions, oviposition sites are limited
by the quantity of lupine in these areas.
These results demonstrate that the Karner blue butterfly is a true savanna
species requiring the broad range of canopy cover types characteristic
of this ecosystem. Larger canopy openings provide suitable habitat for
flowering nectar plants, lupine, and mate locations. Partial and closed
canopy areas provide oviposition sites for first brood females and high
quality food for larvae. Therefore, restoration of this ecosystem will
need to plan for providing a diversity of canopy cover microhabitats.
Litter
Changes In A Retrogressing Oak Savanna Ecosystem
Tom Eddy
Division of Biological Sciences
Emporia State University (Box 4050)
Emporia, KS 66801
Tel: (316) 341-5617
Invasion of woody plants from prairie-forest borders into surrounding prairie
accelerates following the elimination of fir and grazing. In the absence
of these natural disturbances, plan materials accumulate and exert microclimatic
changes that effect the stability of the prairie vegetation. This study examined
differences in litter under 4 stages of vegetative cover in Elk County,
Kansas over a one year period. Litter depth, composition, weight (air dry),
and estimated turnover rate were assessed in 10 quadrats (m2) placed randomly
in (1) tall grass prairie (unburned end ungraded for at least 10 years),
(2) shrub cover (established on the site within the past 3 years), (3)
shout cover (established on the site 4 or more years), and (4) mature post
oak and blackjack oak woodland. Litter depth declined from 1.91 cm in the
prairie to 1.74 cm in the recent shrub border to 1.35 cm in the established
shrub border. Percent compositi by weight of leaf and stem fragments in
the litter was highest in the prairie (98%) and lowest (88%) in the established
shrub border. Estimated turnover rate for litter from the oak woodland
(2 years) was approximately 1/2 that of the prairie end recent!: established
shrub border and 2/3 that of the established shrub border.
Avian Diversity
of the Fort McCoy Oak Barrens
David J. Beckmann
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, W154481
Tel: (608) 269-0546
Alan Haney
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, W154481
Tel: (715) 346-2955
Breeding bird surveys were conducted in 1994 and 1995 across a sand prairie/oak
savanna mosaic to determine species presence and distribution. The 862
ha study area was surveyed using point sampling along ten 1500m transects
incorporating the open sand prairie, forest/prairie edge, and degraded barrens
that now supports a closed oak forest. Along each transect bird species
were visually and/or audibly identified and their location recorded within
50m of the transect.
These surveys resulted in a total of 40 and 43 breeding species being
identified in 1994 and 1995, respectively. Northern Oriole (Icterus
galbula) was the most frequently observed species in both years comprising
of 6.9% and 9.9% of the total number of individuals encountered. Other
species that accounted for >5% of the observations included Blue Jay (Cyanocitta
cristata), Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla), and Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus
savannarum) in 1994. The proportion of the latter two species decreased
in 1995 and were replaced by the American Robin (Turdus migratorius),
Brown-Headed Cowbird (Molothrus alter), and Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes
gramineus).
Although there was a slight increase in the number of species identified
from 1994 to 1995, the average nurnber of observations decreased 7.9% from
247.5 to 228 individuals. Of 40 species identified in 1994,16 (40%) were
non-edge related (10 associated with forest interior and 6 with grassland/savanna
communities). In 1995 the non-edge related species decreased to 12 of 43
species (26%) of which 8 were associated with forest interior and 4 with
grassland/savanna communities.
Breeding
Songbird Community Structure Within Managed Vs Unmanaged Oak-Savannas In The Missouri Ozarks
Terrance R. Callahan and Dr. Ernie Wiggers
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211
Richard Clawson
Missouri Department of Conservation
Columbia, Missouri 65201
There exists a paucity of information concerning the faunal communities
associated with midwest oak-savanna systems. Concurrently, there is increasing
concern over the effects various land management practices may have on
songbird populations.
Therefore, breeding songbird communities associated with three managed
and three unmanaged oak-savannas in south-central Missouri were determined
by spot-mapping in 1994 and 1995. Vegetational structure characteristics
of sites were also determined. Vegetation structure of managed sites differed
fro unmanaged through decreased canopy coverage, greater ground cover density,
fewer shrubby stems > lm in height, and a ground layer with higher percentages
of grasses and bare ground. Avian species richness was 50 for both managed
and unmanaged site. The most abundant species detected on managed and unmanaged
sites were indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) and Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus), respectively. Bewick's Wren (Thryomanes bewichii), Prairie
Warbler (Dendroica discolor). Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina), Yellow-breasted
Chat (Icteria virens), Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus), Orcha Oriole
(Icterus spurius), Lark Sparrow (Chondestes gramineus), and American Robin
(Turdus migratorius) were restricted to managed sites. Species restricted
to unmanaged sites included Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus),
Black and White Warbler (Mniotilta varia), and Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus).
The vegetation structure which results from savanna restoration and maintenance
will benefit or exclud certain species, depending on their habitat requirements.
Thoughtful savanna management has the potential to create a diversity of
habitat types capable of supporting a wide range of avian species.
Effects
of Land Use Change on Breeding Bird Communities Structure in Northern Oklahoma
JON C. BOREN, Research Assistant
Department of Agronomy
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74075
Tel: (405) 744-6410
DAVID M. ENGLE, Professor
Department of Agronomy
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74075
Tel: (405) 744-6410
TERRANCE G. BIDWELL, Associate Professor
Department of Agronomy
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74075
Tel: (405) 744-6421
RONALD E. MASTERS, Assistant Professor
Department of Forestry
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74075
Tel: (405) 744-8065
Suburbia is sprawling into rural landscapes, altering patterns of land
ownership, influencing land use and vegetation cover types, and potentially
influencing biological diversity. Although the effects of urbanization
on wildlife are well known, the dynamics of heterogeneous environments,
such as the wildland to suburban transition, have been largely ignored
by the ecological sciences. The primary objective of this study was to
identify land uses, vegetation types, and landscape patterns associated
with avian community diversity. Long-term (24 years) changes in biological
diversity of game bird and songbird community structure were obtained through
records from the North American Breeding Bird Survey. Data from high-resolution
aerial photography were used in a Geographic Imagery System (GIS) to determine
historical and present land use, vegetation cover types, and landscape
pattern of a rural and urban influenced landscape. Detrended correspondence
analysis (DCA) was used to determine if avian community structure differed
between landscapes and to document shifts in avian community structure
over time. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to determine
the influence of landscape cover types and structure on breeding bird abundances
for each landscape. Certain aspects of avian diversity are a function of
the complex interaction of land use, vegetation cover type, and landscape
pattern. Avian community structure between landscapes were explained by
different sets of environmental variables. Changes in vegetation cover
types have altered avian biodiversity by decreasing some forest associated
species relative to prairie and generalist species in the rural and urban-influenced
landscapes respectively.
Habitat
Use and Movement Patterns of the Eastern MassasaugaRattlesnake in Central
Wisconsin
Richard King
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
W7996 20th Street West
Necedah, WI 54646-7531
Tel: (608) 565-4402
The eastern massasuaga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) once
had a broad geographic range from south central North America to the eastern
Great Lakes region. Massasauga populations have declined throughout their
range raising concern over the status of the species. The status of the
massasauga is currently being reviewed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
to allow for a listing determination. However, basic life history information
of the massasauga is seriously lacking which makes a listing decision difficult.
The secretive nature of the massasuaga makes radio telemetry research a
necessity. I attempt to provide some basic massasauga ecology and habitat
use information through radio telemetry research.
Ten adult and 32 neonates were fitted with radio transmitters which
were surgically implanted. This represents the first known telemetry study
of neonate snakes of any species. Each snake was relocated three times
per week throughout the active season and into hibernation. Once located,
each snake's location, body temperature, and habitat use are recorded.
A variety of habitat and environmental variables were are collected as
part the habitat data.
Activity ranges were calculated using 95% isopleth area. Habitat use
between individual snakes and populations was determined with discriminate
function analysis. An estimate of optimal opportunities to search for massasaugas
based on their behavior was derived through regression analysis.
Preliminary results indicate that adult massasaugas move very little
during the summer months. Habitat use by gravid females during the summer
is primarily in open barrens habitat. Habitat use by non-gravid females
and males is in bottomland hardwoods or peat bogs. Neonates are born in
August in the dry barrens habitat that is favored by gravid females. Movements
of adult and neonate snakes increase dramatically in September as they
begin moving to hibernation sites. Hibernation sites occur in root systems
of white pine (Pinus strobus) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum) trees
in bogs and bottomland hardwoods.
Population
Dynamics of small Mammals in a Northwest Ohio Oak Savanna
Robert G. Jacksey, JR.
Metroparks of the Toledo Area
5100 W. Central Avenue
Toledo, Ohio 43615
Small mammals are integral components of most terrestrial ecosystems and
comprise a significant percentage of an ecosystem's vertebrate biomass.
This ongoing investigation is being conducted to better understand the
population dynamics of small terrestrial mammals (For the purposes of this
research, "small mammals" refer to mammals that are smaller than Tamias
striatus.) in northwest Ohio oak savanna habitats located in Oak Openings
Preserve Metropark, Lucas County, Ohio. Ten trapping sessions were conducted
in 1994. Sessions began in late March and concluded in mid December. Each
session lasted for two consecutive nights at each site. At each of the two
sites 60m x 60m plots were established. Forty nine live traps were placed
10 meters apart in a grid pattern in each plot. Captured animals were ear-tagged
and released after relevant data were recorded. The research was conducted
at two sites with two trapping grids at each site. A total of 170 captures
during the 1994 season yeilded 100 individual animals; the species composition
was: Peromyscus leucopus (70%), Peromyscus maniculatus (26%),
and Blarina brevicauda (4%).
These results will serve as baseline data as two of the four trapping
sites received prescribed burns after October, 1994. This data will shed
light on the effects of fire on small mammals in a northwest Ohio oak savanna
ecosystem.
The materials for this research project were paid for with a grant received
from the Ohio Office of The Nature Conservancy.
POSTER SESSION
Buffalo
Clover, A Savanna Biennial: Are Fire Strategies Used In Savanna Restoration Efforts Eliminating Biennial Species?
Ethel E. Hickey
Mark Twain National Forest
401 Fairgrounds Road
Rolla, MO 65401
Tel: (314) 364-4621
The ecotonal region of the central United States has experienced repeated
floristic migrations from various directions and persisting for various
lengths of time to create plant communities of great diversity. Management
goals for lands within this region must apply strategies that ensure this
high level of floristic diversity. A response from all plant life forms
to management practices should be considered, not just annuals and perennials.
The purpose of this paper is to present information and data from studies
on buffalo clover (Trifolium reflexum) to establish management considerations
for the survival of short-lived herbaceous species (annual [spring ephemerals],
winter-annual, biennial, and short-term perennial).
Buffalo clover is a native legume indigenous to prairie, savanna, and
flatwoods communities throughout the eastern two-thirds of the United States.
Findings from studies conducted on this species provide preliminary results
illustrating the phenology of germination, the success of different cohorts,
and consequences for contrasting life histories. These observations may
provide insights into characteristics represented in many short-lived herbaceous
species. Buffalo clover is a biennial but may respond to environmental
conditions as an annual or winter-annual. As a biennial germination occurs
after the soil has warmed in the spring, March to May. As a winter-annual
germination occurs when the fall rains begin, September to November. As
an annual germination occurs following a spring fire, May and June. The
annual and winter-annual cohorts appear to exist to offset the potential
loss of the biennial cohort because the fitness of the biennial is substantially
greater than either of its other two life histories. The preferred micro-habitat
for buffalo clover is areas which maintain moisture into early summer.
For example plants mainly occur in swales, depressions, drainage ways,
or along perched water tables. The location of these micro- habitats impose
a special distribution within the plant community and on the landscape.
Buffalo clover and many short-lived herbaceous species have evolved
under the influence of fire. Their genetic plasticity and special distribution
on the landscape provide protection from annual fires or local weather
adversities. However today's management policies operate on a smaller,
fragmented scale. Fire strategies in confined stands often eliminate the
natural mosaic pattern within a burn unit. Management plans that do not
provide for years m which short-lived herbaceous species are allowed to
mature and produce seed, will constantly eliminate individuals germinating
from the seed bank until these species are eradicated from the site flora
Savanna and flatwoods species are dependent on the effects of fire, (removing
overtopping herbs and shrubs, light inhibiting/soil cooling thatch, and
nutrient release) although they may not ALL be fire tolerant (unable to
regenerate vegetative parts from root systems).
Managers and planners must know a fragmented landscape not only creases
the losses of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, but also threatens
plant species. The annual burn strategy in stands which reduce or eliminate
the mosaic burn pattern will diminish diversity by destroying short-lived
herbaceous species and their dependent organisms. Strategies dealing with
complex vegetative problems must utilize alternative methods which allow
a three to five year fire-free period to enhance biodiversity while restoring
natural communities.
Effects
of Burning and Mowing on a Sand Prairie Flora
Timothy L. Walters
Biology Department
University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio 43606
Dry sand prairies have historically been kept open by periodic fires
that knit the woody vegetation and promote fire-tolerant species. Studies
on large scale burns have documented the effects of fire on species diversity
and composition, but the species reproductive potential is poorly understood.
Fall mowing and spring and fall burning treatments are being performed
on 3x3 meter plots ((N =32) in a dry sand prairie in the Oak Openings region
of southwestern Lucas County, Ohio. This study is designed to qualify the
effects of these management practices on this rare Ohio plant community.
Fire reduced the biomass of ilorocanes in Rubus.Jlagellans, but frequently
and percent cover were not significantly affected by any treatments. I~icia
villosa and Hedeoma hispida biomass also decreased with spring and fall
burning. Krigia hispida was least abundant in the untreated sites. Results
will be given on the effects of these treatments on the herbaceous flora
during the initial year of management.
Dispersal
of the Karner blue butterfly at Fort McCoy Military Reservation
Andrew Bidwell
University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point
Stevens Point, W154481
Tel: (715) 346-2025
A mark-release-recapture (MRR) study was conducted on a population of Karner
blue butterflies (LY caeides melissa samuelis) at Fort McCoy Military Reservation
in west-central Wisconsin. The study area consisted of several habitat
patches located along a linear right-of- way and plantation access road,
with the most distant sites about 1.5 km apart. A total of 724 butterflies
were marked between 19 July and 11 August, during the butterflies' second
flight period. Dispersal measures of distances traveled between consecutive
recaptures, total distance traveled, and range (distance between 2 most
distant captures) were calculated for each recaptured butterfly. All three
dispersal measures were significantly greater (Mann-Whitney U-test, P<
.05) for males than females. All three dispersal measures were also positively
correlated (Spearman Rank, P< .05) with time (days) between recaptures.
Karner blue butterfly dispersal distances were skewed toward short distances
of less than 200 m. Ofthe 183 males and 178 females marked and later recaptured,
l 67 males (91.3%) had ranges < 400 m, and 162 females (91.0%) had ranges
< 200 m. Only 4 females (2.2%) and 16 males (8.7%) had ranges > 400
m. The longest dispersal was a male traveling 1600 m during a 2 day period.
The longest female dispersal was 1195 m over 4 days. A 50 m stretch of
dense (Betula papYrifera) limited dispersal of butterflies along the right-of-way.
Karner blue butterfly abundance and frequency of individuals staying in
an area between recaptures was positively correlated (P< 0.05) with
percent cover of lupine and nectar flower counts, and negatively correlated
with indicators of more closed habitat conditions. The frequency of butterflies
moving through an area is negatively correlated with indicators of closed
habitat, and may be positively correlated with nectar availability. Air photo
analysis indicated that lupine patches with Karner blue butterflies, compared
to patches without butterflies, had shorter distances to the closest other
population along a potential dispersal corridor, and greater area of additional
lupine patches within 200m.
Legacy:
Landscape Scale Savanna Restoration and Management
Angela Collada and Alan Haney
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, Wisconsin 54481
Tel: 715-346-2209
Gary Larsen and Debbie Lipyanic
ITAM Coordinator Fort McCoy
Fort McCoy, Wisconsin 54656
Tel: (608) 388-2308
The Legacy Savanna Project was initiated in 1993 with funding from the
Department of Defense (DOD). The DOD Legacy Program is aimed at monitoring
military lands to protect natural resources and environmental features
and assist with transfer of related technology to non-military properties.
The savanna project couples Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM)
technology and protocol from Fort McCoy to development of landscape scale
restoration and adaptive management needs at Moquah Barrens (Chequamegon
National Forest), Spread Eagle Barrens (Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources [WDNR] and Wisconsin Electric Power Company), Necedah National
Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), Ouincy Bluff and Wetland
(The Nature Conservancy and WDNR), the Leopold Memorial Reserve (Sand County
Foundation, WDNR, and Wisconsin Power and Light), and the Joliet Army Training
Area (U.S. Army). Each landscape is 3 to 30 thousand acres, with savanna,
wetlands and other. The primary goal of this project is to test applicability
of technologies developed by the Army for land condition trend analysis
for guiding adaptive management of savanna landscapes. These include remote
sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and inventory methods. A
second goal is to restore the oak savanna landscapes and test the efficacy
of the adaptive management protocol. An important component of restoration
during this project is development of an environmental education program
that can be adapted to the specific needs of each partner to gain the understanding
and support of local stakeholders. The third goal is to transfer the protocol
to other agencies, public and private, that manage oak savanna landscapes.
Leafy
Spurge (Euphorbia esula) Control on Fort McCoy Military Reservation
David J. Beckmann
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI 154481
Tel: (608) 269-0546
Alan Haney
College of Natural Resources
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI 154481
Tel: (715) 346-2955
Kim Mello
Environmental and Natural Resources Division
Natural Resources Branch
Fort McCoy, WI 154656
Tel: (608) 388-5766
Leafy spurge is a persistent weed species that tends to eliminate native
grasses and fortes, resulting in decreased richness and community structure.
Once introduced, spurge populations expand through seed dispersal and adventitious
buds from roots. Each flower can produce approximately 200 seeds/year that
are dispersed by an explosive reaction of the seed capsule which car project
seeds up to 5 meters. Physical damage to the stem or roots releases hormones
that trigger new growth from dormant root buds. Because of these growth
mechanisms, control difficult.
We are testing biological and chemical control agents on 17 plots. Five
species of Chrysomelid flea beetles (Aphthona flava, A. cyparissiae, A.
czwalinae, A.lacertosa, and A. nigriscutis) have been released in 10 locations
starting in 1992. These species feed exclusively on leafy and cypress spurge
(E. cyparissias) from larval to adult stage Larvae feed on the young filamentous
and perennial roots reducing the growth of new stems.
Chemical treatment of spurge is being tested using Krenite, a growth
inhibitor, which has a low toxicity rating (LD50 of 24,000 mg/kg and rapid
breakdown in the soil. Two application periods are being tested on 12 2m
x 20m experimental plots to determine the most effective treatment period
for spurge control while reducing impacts on native plant species composition.
Because of the aggressiveness of leafy spurge, long-term monitoring
and treatment is important. Preliminary results of spurge reduction and
native plant impacts will be presented.
Germination
And Establishment Of Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) In Savanna Habitats
Noel B. Pavlovic, Ralph Grundel, and Christina Sulzman
Lake Michigan Ecological Station
National Biological Service
1100 N. Mineral Springs Road
Porter, IN 46304
Tel: (219) 926-8336
Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) is the larval food plant of
the Karner Blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) and a common
herb in sand savannas. We investigated the relationship between seed color
and hard vs. soft seeds and postfire habitat, shade, litter, and competition
on the germination and establishment of lupine. The first experiment examined
the proportion of soft seeds relative to seed colors: white, light mottled,
dark mottled and black. In the second and third field experiments 100 lupine
weeds were sown in randomly allocated m2 plots and the color morph of seeds
was recorded. In the second experiment five replicate plots were placed
in a previously burned site and a control site to examine post fire habitat
effects on lupine germination. In the third experiment four replicate plots
were allocated across four factors: shade (full, partial and full sun),
competition (present or removed), and oak leaf litter (present or removed).
Plots were monitored from mid March to August 1994. Dark mottled seeds
had the highest proportion of soft seeds (9%) compared to white seeds (4%).
Total germination in the other experiments was unaffected by habitat and
post fire environment; however seeds sown in a burned area had a faster
rate of emergence presumably because of the burning and removal of leaf
litter and higher soil temperatures in the early spring. Survival was positively
influenced by shade and competition removal. These results identify the
regeneration niche of lupine and provide guidance for reintroducing lupine
into degraded savannas.
Growing
Oak Seedlings In Your Backyard A Way to Save Money and Obtain Quality Stock
Stuart Miller
Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Land Reclamation Program
Jefferson City, Missouri
A major concern of ecosystem restorationists is obtaining high quality
plant materials with correct provenance. Commercial or government nurseries
may try to obtain local seed but no guarantees can be made. Ecosystem restorationists,
park managers or private landowners can easily and cheaply propagate native
oak or other hardwood species from local parent stock using bottomless
containers. Proper seed collection, storage and preparation techniques
as well as propagation methods are critical for seedling growth and development
into quality air-pruned planting stock. The implications for park or preserve
managers and private landowners in reforestation and ecosystem restoration
are many. Air-pruned seedlings of local provenance can be outplanted in
the fall after one growing season with little transplanting shock and develop
extensive root systems prior to freeze up. Establishment success of containerized
seedlings greatly exceed that of spring planted bare root seedlings. Since
propagation costs are minimal, the planter saves money on the planting
stock and from greater establishment success resulting in less wastage
of labor and therefore, time and money.
Oak
Opening Restoration Through Prescribed Burning And Exotic Species Removal: LuluLake, Lake
County, Wisconsin
Nancy C. Braker and Steve Richter
The Nature Conservancy
633 W. Main Street
Madison, Wisconsin, 53703
Tel: (608) 251-8140
Eric Epstein
Natural Heritage Program
Bureau of Endangered Resources
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, Wisconsin, 53707
Tel: (608) 267-5038
One of the few remaining intact oak openings left in southern Wisconsin,
the Lulu Lake oak opening has long been recognized as a high quality example
of this community type. Like most examples of this type, however, excessive
tree and shrub growth and the invasion of exotic species has contributed
to the suppression of many native herbaceous species and reduced the reproduction
potential of the dominant tree species. Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica),
honeysuckle (Lonicera sp.) and garlic mustard (Alliaria officinalis) are
the exotic species of most concern.
Prescribed burning was initiated in 1990. While most burn units have
received one or two burns in this time period, one burn unit has been burned
each year for the past six years. In addition to burn treatments, exotic
shrubs were removed; the majority receiving a cut-stump herbicide treatment.
Garlic mustard was hand pulled.
Prior to these management treatments semi-quantitative information was
gathered from permanently established macroplots regarding species present,
estimated cover for each, and shrub and canopy cover. Photopoints were
established for each macroplot. Garlic mustard was monitored separately
to determine the effects of our control efforts.
Preliminary results indicate a reduction in shrub cover and an increase
of native species cover in the frequently burned unit that surpassed that
of the less frequently burned plots. Several typical savanna species increased
in abundance in the burn units. Garlic mustard also increased within the
burn unit. Dense stands were also found along firebreaks and trails where
soil disturbance was greater.
Historic
and Present Barrens Restoration Efforts at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
Richard King and Rebecca Power
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
W7996 20th Street West
Necedah, WI 54646-7531
Tel: (608) 565-4402
Oak barrens once dominated the uplands of Necedah National Wildlife
Refuge. Fire suppression efforts began 1939 when the refuge was created
and resulted in replacement of the oak barrens by closed canopy stands
of oak and jack pine. By the 1950's, most of the barrens habitat and associated
species were gone. Beginning in the mid1960's and continuing through the
mid-1970's, the refuge attempted to restore approximately 20,000 ha of
oak barrens. Restorations were attempted using a variety of techniques,
some of which are still in use. The cumulative effects of restoration techniques
and historical use of the landscape were evaluated using current Karner
blue butterfly (Iycaeides melissa samuelis) abundance, bird and herbaceous
species richness, and diversity of the herb layer (H'). One unit that has
been maintained as an open barrens for over 60 years by oak wilt (Ceratocystis
fagacearum) is shown for comparison. Further analysis is underway to correlate
restoration techniques with measures of restoration success.
Units restored with clear-cuts followed by frequent fires (yearly)
and herbicide application to oak grubs have low plant species richness
and diversity but have high concentrations of Kamer blue butterflies. Units
that were restored with selective cut timber sales followed by burning
(3-5 year rotation) have higher bird species richness, moderate herb layer
diversity, and low herb layer richness and Karner blue butterfly abundance.
Both of these treatment categories were disked and planted at least once
in their history. Units that were clear-cut and herbicided but were burned
less frequently (3-5 year rotation) have high plant species richness and
diversity and high Karner concentrations. Units similarly harvested and
burned, but not herbicided, showed moderate values for all measures, as
did the unit maintained by oak wilt. Parts of all treatment types were
grazed before the refuge was established.
Results of this research illustrate a potential conflict between managing
for diversity in oak barrens communities and managing for a single component
of those communities (ea. birds or butterflies). The Endangered Species
Act makes Karner blue butterfly management a priority. However, feature
species management for the Karner blue butterfly can result in barrens
with low overall diversity. Managers may be forced to choose between optimal
management for an endangered species or management for landscape diversity.
Oak
Grassland Management On The Fort Leonard Wood Military Reservation, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
Thomas F. Glueck1
HQUSAEC and FLW
ATTN: ATZT-DPW-EE
Fort Leonard Wood, MO 65473-5000
Tel: (314) 596-0871
John E. Grinstead
P.O. BOX FF
Rolla, MO 65401-1090
Tel: (314) 364-8567
Fort Leonard Wood encompasses 63,000 acres of oak forests and tall grasslands.
Primary military training activities include weapons firing, heavy engineer
equipment operation, and foot maneuver and bivouac. An intensive natural
resources conservation program was initiated in 1958. It has evolved into
a comprehensive operation that not only provides more traditional natural
resource benefits but enhances the military mission. The current national
emphasis on "biodiversity" and ecosystem management" fit well into Fort
Leonard Wood operating principles. Since many of the training operations
create extreme vegetation fire risk, vegetation fire management has always
been a primary concern on the installation. A system of risk control has
been developed to prevent destructive fires while allowing critical military
operations to continue. Much of the firing range area is old farm fields
and post oak flats evolving to tall native grassland, the remainder being
oak forests needing fire exclusion. Permanent fuel breaks are maintained
to control wildfire and aid in prescribed burning. The application of prescribed
fire has increased since 1983, greatly enhancing wildlife habitat
and minimizing risk on weapons ranges. The National Fire Danger Rating
System is used in modified form to provide necessary fire parameter measurements.
This program has resulted in the maintenance and restoration of some very
fine examples of oak grasslands.
__________________________________________________
1Fort Leonard Wood Wildlife Biologist, 1987-present.
Fort Leonard Wood Forester/Natural Resources Manager, 1961-1991.
Fire
Temperatures in a Savanna-Glade Complex During the 1994 Stegall Mountain Prescribed Fire
Gary D. Willson
National Biological Service
Central Plains/Ozark Plateau Field Station
204 Gentry Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia 65211
Tel: (314) 882-8645
Lisa Thomas
National Park Service
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Republic, Missouri 65738
Tel: (417) 889-9220
Charles Putnam and Victoria Mendiola Grant
National Park Service
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Van Buren, Missouri 63965
Tel: (314) 323-4236
Fire intensity can be extremely variable between and within burns
due to edaphic factors and heterogeneous fuels. In Ozark savanna-glade
complexes, aspect, slope, soil depth, and rock outcrops significantly affect
fuel distribution and quantity and fire behavior. In 1994, we measured
fire temperatures during a prescribed fire in a remnant savanna glade complex
on Stegall Mountain, Missouri. We found temperatures at 10 and 50 cm above
ground were significantly lower in glade and transition communities than
in the surrounding savanna community although temperatures were highly
variable among plots within the same community type. We found fire temperatures
were correlated with a pre-burn estimate of exposed cobble. Results contrast
with those from savanna-prairie burns where prairie temperatures were higher and reflect the discontinuous
fuel array on glades. Results support multi-agency efforts to determine
how these communities respond to prescribed fire.
Effects
of Prescribed Fire on Midstory Competition and Enhancement of Oak Regeneration in Mature Hardwood Stands
Thomas A. Barnes
District Forester Assistant
Nebraska Forest Service
Nemaha NRD, Box 717
Tecumseh, NE 68450
Tel: (402) 335-3325
David H. Van Lear
Bowen Professor of Forestry
Department of Forest Resources
Clemson University 29634-1003
Fire suppression since the early 1900s is thought to have hampered
advanced oak regeneration in the South. Fire treatments were initiated
in 1990 to evaluate effects of low intensity fires on recruitment of oak
seedlings sprouts in the advanced regeneration pool under mature stands.
One spring burn was as effective as three winter burns in reducing midstory
density, considered a prerequisite for development of oak advanced regeneration.
Advanced regeneration of oak hickory had significantly higher root to shoot
ratios than competitors. These ratios were increased by burning treatments.
Large root-to-shoot ratios in oaks probably enhance the resprouting tenacity
of rootstocks following repeated disturbances, which keeps the oaks competitive
with other hardwood regeneration. Burning xerified the soil surface by
consuming much of the forest floor and exposing the soil to greater amounts
of solar radiation, thereby favoring xeric site species like oak. These
favorable effects of fire in oak stands probably outweigh several deleterious
effects of fire on oak regeneration. Restoring fire to some semblance of
its earlier ecological role in hardwood forests may solve some of the current
oak regeneration problems, especially on better sites in the South.
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