Woody encroachment and its effects on biodiversity in fens and grasslands has become an increasing concern in the conservation and management of plant communities. These data were collected to examine the effects of spring and summer prescribed burns on the plant community, cover, and structure in open and partially wooded fens at Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan, using a before-after-control-impact design. Paired, 1-ha blocks were established in two fen areas, C3 and Marsh Creek, and data collected for two years before burning (2006-07) and three years after burning (2008-10). Treatments were C3 control, C3 spring burn (May 2008), Marsh Creek control, and Marsh Creek summer burn (July 2008); data were also collected from a block burned under drier conditions in July 2007. Data were collected annually at subsampling points arrayed along 5 transect lines in each block. Variables include water depth; litter depth; graminoid height; species richness and diversity; and percent cover of plant taxa, mosses, and open area. A total of 104 plant taxa over the five years in the C3 and Marsh Creek communities.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Title | Effects of fire on vegetation in fens at Seney National Wildlife Refuge |
| DOI | 10.5066/P90P8VWJ |
| Authors | Jane E. Austin |
| Product Type | Data Release |
| Record Source | USGS Digital Object Identifier Catalog |
| USGS Organization | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |
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Response of vegetation in open and partially wooded fens to prescribed burning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge
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Response of vegetation in open and partially wooded fens to prescribed burning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge
The health and function of northern peatlands, particularly for fens, are strongly affected by fire and hydrology. Fens are important to several avian species of conservation interest, notably the yellow rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis). Fire suppression and altered hydrology often result in woody encroachment, altering the plant community and structure. Woody encroachment and its effects on biodAuthorsJane E. Austin, Wesley E. Newton - Connect