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Fire Suppression Area – Unit III

We suggest that prescribed burning in Unit III be concentrated at first in the ponderosa and lodgepole pine types, in a pattern which isolates Units I and II from surrounding lands. This should eventually allow the expansion of Units I and II and thus reduce the amounts of prescribed burning necessary in most types. Recall that, in lodgepole (1) a repeat burn will be necessary after snags fall and (2) living fuel loads will rapidly increase after fire in the dense seral stands, even though ground fuels will be reduced.

Type A (Unit III only):

Communities:
a) Fir-Hemlock/Sedge-Lupine
b) Hemlock/Grouse Huckleberry
c) White Fir/California Brome-Lupine

Suggestions: There is no way to estimate the exact proportion of the whole area capable of supporting fir-hemlock which really was lodgepole in primeval times. We are certain, however, that it was smaller than at present. We feel that prescribed burning should be kept to a minimum for the present. Clearing of heavy ground fuels (for firewood) might help reduce fire danger along highways. Assessment of the role of natural fire in these forests will be possible after a long enough time under the natural fire policy. Some re conversion of primeval lodgepole to lodgepole certainly occurred; this gives a natural rationale for some prescribed burning in these lodgepole types.

Type A is represented in Unit III at many places. (1) Several are small and away from the boundary; we suggest no treatment; (2) In the following areas, burning across the narrow spots in the types near the Park boundary should be sufficient: S of Castle Creek, NE of Bald Crater, E of the North Entrance (where burns should coordinate with those in Type E). (3) Along Hwy 62 S of Cold Spring, between the highway and the canyon, seems a good place to experiment with fire in this type. It might also serve as a visitor exhibit. (4) The White Fir community NE of the panhandle should be treated only along the boundary, also.

Type B (Unit III only ):

Communities:      a) Subalpine Fir/Goldenweed/Aster-Blue Wildrye
b) Subalpine Fir/Collomia-Peavine

Suggestions: In Unit III, this type is quite young, and the forest patchy. No treatment is necessary at present, except perhaps in its denser parts which are right along the Park boundary. Later assessment of community change, as in Units I and II, will be necessary.

Type C (Unit III only):

Communities:
a) Lodgepole Pine/Sedge-Needlegrass
b) Open areas of Lodgepole Pine/Sedge-Lupine

Suggestions: These have very sparse litter. As long as this remains true,no treatment is necessary.

Type D and Type E:

Prescribed burning should proceed as in Units I and II. Unit III should have higher priority.

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