Effects of prescribed fire on fuels, vegetation, and Golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) demographics in Texas juniper-oak woodlands: An update six years post-fire

摘要: Abstract The juniper (Juniperus ashei) - oak (Quercus sp.) woodlands of central Texas are susceptible to crown fire due climate change, land use and suppression. Low-intensity prescribed is one method used reduce fuel loads lower the risk fire. Better knowledge impacts on loads, vegetation structure, endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia), a songbird that breeds exclusively in these woodlands, needed inform management decisions. We conducted before-after control-impact study three plot-pairs within Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Texas, determine response warblers measured structure before (2012), again year (2014) six years (2019) after then evaluated year × treatment interaction each time interval if there was effect by severity score (a measure impact). found no significant 2014 or 2019, but for seedling density, sapling non-juniper canopy cover, litter depth both years. Juniper density had declines areas severe effects 2014, stayed even through 2019. Non-juniper increased dramatically 2019 experienced effects; however, we note majority stems were from resprouting which predominate persistence this ecosystem. all showed an not possibly indicative recovery. monitored during 2012–2014 (although did breeding success 2013) varying warblers. There territory 2013 2019; remained similar control plots declined whereas stabilized treatment plots. Breeding parameters across intervals, except number fledglings per successful than 2012. Six post-fire, mostly avoided where mortality occurred, categorized with red oak-juniper understory pre-fire, they relatively high probability severely impacted areas. Prescribed achieved some goals (e.g., densities young junipers higher oaks) meaningfully short intermediate periods. Additional necessary regeneration results mature trees.