In pre-European times oak stands were open due to frequent low intensity ground fires, many started by native Americans. Conifers like ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir were not a dominant part of the overstory. Native grasses, sedges, and shrubs were abundant in the understory. Large diameter oaks existed due to less competition from other oaks and conifers.
Long intervals of fire exclusion have increased stand density in oaks and advanced the encroachment of pine and fir. Much of the area in this condition. Stand replacing or mixed severity fires are the norm with the loss of larger diameter oaks.
Throughout the history of settlement these oak stands were near lower elevation areas used by natives and European settlers. Respective to that these oak stands have been altered by cutting, overgrazing, and conversion to other land uses.
Fire suppression increased both stand density in oaks and also the abundance of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir in the overstory. Native understory vegetation decreased with more shade along with oak regeneration.
Cropland or Pastureland conversion through intensive planting of oak and inter seeding native shrubs and grasses/sedges. Long-term maintenance needed for establishment and growth.
Model keys
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The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
) icon wherever it occurs. Drag and drop items to reorder. Cookies are used to store briefcase items between browsing sessions. Because of this, the number of items that can be added to your briefcase is limited, and briefcase items added on one device and browser cannot be accessed from another device or browser. Users who do not wish to place cookies on their devices should not use the briefcase tool. Briefcase cookies serve no other purpose than described here and are deleted whenever browsing history is cleared.
