Can fire exclusion zones enhance postfire tree regeneration? A simulation study in subalpine conifer forests.

ABSTRACT: Climate change and novel fire regimes increasingly challenge stewardship of forests adapted to infrequent, stand-replacing fire. Novel fire regimes may disrupt mechanisms that sustained postfire regeneration historically, and whether fire management can promote forest resilience to future fires is uncertain. We used the individual-based forest simulation model iLand to explore how fire exclusion zones that mimic historical burn mosaics may affect postfire tree regeneration in conifer forests of Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming, USA). We asked: (1) How do the amount and configuration of potential fire exclusion zones influence postfire tree regeneration throughout the 21st century under alternative climate scenarios? (2) How do "operational" fire exclusion zones affect postfire tree regen

SUBMITTER: Keller TT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12529467 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature