THE ROLE OF PRESCRIBED BURNING IN REGENERATING QUERCUS-MACROCARPA ANDASSOCIATED WOODY-PLANTS IN STRINGER WOODLANDS IN THE BLACK-HILLS, SOUTH-DAKOTA

Throughout the range of Quercus macrocarpa, fire historically played a n important role in maintaining Quercus stands. However, little is kno wn about the role of fire in maintaining stringer Quercus stands on th e western edge of its distribution. This research suggests that prescr ibed burning could be used to rejuvenate woody plants in Quercus woodl ands. Relative to unburned areas, there were more (p < 0.1) Quercus, F raxinus pennsylvanica and Acer negundo sprouts following spring burnin g. However, Quercus seedling density did not increase (p = 0.22) relat ive to unburned sites, and changes in the density of woody understory species in response to burning were erratic. Dormant season burning ha s some appeal from a fire control point of view and because carbohydra te reserves in woody plants are high during this time. However, if the objective is to regenerate woody plants and/or mimic historical fires , prescriptions should be set to achieve high intensities.