Gartner, F.R. 1977. Ecological Changes on Pine Grassland Burned in Fall and Spring. Contract No. PX 120051027. 35+ p.

Abstract

This study was intended to provide Wind Cave National Park Service personnel with information that would be helpful in developing a comprehensive, long range management plan. The plan would very likely include fire management, especially the use of prescribed burning, if fire could serve one or more purposes.

1. Specifec hypotheses developed were: Presecibed fire would reduce fuel accumulations and provide natural fuel breaks without negative effects on vegetation composition and soil chemistry.
2. Prescribed fire could be utilized to attract native ungulates to disignated areas for purposes of obtaining more uniform vegetation utilization or for visitor observation and enjoyment of grazing animals.

Thus, the stated objectives of this study were (1) to determine vegetation and soil differences on areas burned in spring and fall, and (2) to determine animal response to burns at those seasons compared with adjacent, unburned areas.