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Interactions between landscape and local factors inform spatial action planning in post-fire forest environments

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Abstract

Context

Landscape and local factors govern tree regeneration across heterogeneous post-fire forest environments. But their relative influence is unclear—limiting the degree that managers can consider landscape context when delegating resources to help stand-replacing patches restock successfully.

Objectives

We investigated how landscape and local factors shape tree regeneration across heterogeneous post-fire forest environments. Our research questions were: What is the relative influence of landscape and local factors on tree species presence (RQ1) and stocking density (RQ2) at stand-replacing patches? Do thresholds occur when landscape factors are influential (RQ3)?

Methods

We sampled landscape and local variables at 71 plots near Jackson, Wyoming, United States. We used Random Forests to investigate how local and landscape variables affect post-fire tree recovery. Relative influence was determined using mean decrease in accuracy. Partial dependence plots were used to visualize whether thresholds occurred for variables with mean decrease in accuracy > 15%.

Results

Landscape factors like seed source area were associated with subalpine fir presence and stocking density. But different thresholds occurred. Specifically, subalpine fir presence required 10% seed source area, while stocking density required 40%. Northeast aspects surrounded by > 10% seed source area were most likely to support subalpine fir presence. Conversely, local factors like soil nutrients were associated with lodgepole pine presence, highlighting effects of different regeneration strategies.

Conclusions

Landscape factors bolster spatial resilience and help stand-replacing patches restock naturally. But landscape factors do not support tree regeneration equally across heterogeneous post-fire forest environments. Consequently, considering stand-replacing patches in their landscape context will be critical for future spatial action planning.

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Acknowledgements

The National Science Foundation (BCS-1901630), Joint Fire Science Program (1910144), National Geographic, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, and Penn State Center for Landscape Dynamics funded the study. We thank Hunter Mitchell and Shaina Walker for their hard work in the field, as well as Shelby Duncan for their assistance with the object-based image analysis. We also thank Diane Abendroth and Bridger-Teton National Forest for their logistical support and permitting the study. Laura Leites, Doug Miller, and Alan Taylor served on JLP’s dissertation committee and provided helpful feedback on the manuscript and study.

Funding

The National Science Foundation (BCS-1901630), Joint Fire Science Program (1910144), National Geographic, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, and Penn State Center for Landscape Dynamics funded the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Jamie L. Peeler

  2. Department of Geography and Earth and Environmental Systems Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Erica A. H. Smithwick

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  1. Jamie L. Peeler
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  2. Erica A. H. Smithwick
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Contributions

JLP developed the research vision, designed the study, conducted the quantitative analysis, and wrote the manuscript. EAHS contributed to the study design and provided substantial feedback on the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Jamie L. Peeler.

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Peeler, J.L., Smithwick, E.A.H. Interactions between landscape and local factors inform spatial action planning in post-fire forest environments. Landscape Ecol 36, 3523–3537 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-021-01325-4

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