In a recently published study, FORT scientists and collaborators synthesize data from 26,729 post-burn vegetation plots to determine the effects of fire and climate on non-native plant invasion
This publication examined patterns and predictors of non-native plant invasion following fire across the western United States by synthesizing data from 26,729 vegetation plots measured after they were burned.
The authors found that non-native plant cover was higher in plots measured after wildfires compared to prescribed burns or unburned plots. Cool-season short-lived grasses, such as cheatgrass, composed most of the non-native post-fire vegetation.
Climate variables were the most influential predictors of the cover of non-native short-lived grasses and forbs after fires, with invasion being more common in areas with drier summers and a higher proportion of yearly precipitation falling in October through March.
Models using future projected climate for mid (2041–2070) and end (2071–2100) of century showed a potential for increasing post-fire invasion risk at higher elevations and latitudes. These findings highlight priorities for mitigation, monitoring, and restoration efforts to reduce post-fire plant invasion risk across the western United States.
Learn More: Prevéy, J.S., et al. Non-native plant invasion after fire in western USA varies by functional type and with climate. Biol Invasions (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-023-03235-9
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