FIRE IMPACTS ON NATURAL RESOURCES IN OAK SAVANNAS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: MCINTIRE-STENNIS
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0165099
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2009
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2012
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
888 N EUCLID AVE
TUCSON,AZ 85719-4824

Performing Department
Natural Resources & the Environment

Non Technical Summary
Non-technical Summary: Natural fire frequencies and their burning characteristics in the Southwestern Borderlands have changed since the early 1900s because of past livestock grazing practices removing the fire-carrying fuels (herbaceous vegetation) and aggressive fire-suppression policies of government agencies. Over-crowding of tree overstories, excessive accumulations of flammable fuels; and the invasion of woody plants onto otherwise productive grazing lands in the oak savannas of the Southwestern Region has resulted. These conditions have become a major concern to many stakeholders, particularly the local ranchers who are dependent on these grazing lands for their livelihood. Local environmental groups have also become concerned because of the loss of environmental qualities on the impacted landscapes. Because of these conditions, federal and state government agencies, private organizations, and local ranchers and other individuals are interested in re-introducing "more natural" fire regimes into the ecosystems of the region to hopefully alleviate the situation. However, fire managers must enhance their knowledge of how to apply fire wisely and the impacts of re-introduced fire frequencies on the ecosystem resources and the hydrologic functioning of the oak savannas for the interventions to be successful. Helping to obtain this information is the focus of this research. More specifically, this research will obtain comprehensive information on the impacts of cool-season and warm-season prescribed burning treatments and a wildfire on tree overstories, herbaceous and shrub understories, wildlife populations and habitat preferences; ground cover and accumulations of litter and duff, and soil erosion and subsequent depositions. The expected results, findings, and other information derived from the research will be made available to managers, ecologists, fire specialists, and local stakeholders through readily available technology-transfer formats.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
123	0320	1070	100%

Knowledge Area
123 - Management and Sustainability of Forest Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0320 - Watersheds;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;

Keywords

ecosystem resources

fire impacts

hydrologic functioning

oak savannas

southwestern borderlands

Goals / Objectives
Goals/Objectives/Output: Natural fire frequencies and their burning characteristics in the Southwestern Borderlands have been altered since the early 1900s because of past livestock grazing practices removing significant portions of fire-carrying fuels (herbaceous vegetation) and aggressive fire-suppression policies of government agencies. Over-crowding of tree overstories that are susceptible to insects, diseases, and stand-replacing wildfire; excessive accumulations of flammable fuels on many sites; and the invasion of woody plants onto otherwise productive grazing lands has resulted. Because of these undesirable conditions, federal and state government agencies, private organizations, and local individuals are collectively interested in re-introducing "more natural" fire regimes into the ecosystems of the region. Included among these ecosystems are extensive the oak (encinal) savannas situated between the higher-elevation and more densely stocked pine-oak woodlands and the lower-elevation shrub-grassland communities. However, fire managers must enhance their knowledge of how to apply fire wisely and the impacts of re-introduced fire frequencies on ecosystem resources and the hydrologic functioning of the oak savannas for the proposed fire interventions to be successful. Helping to obtain this information is the focus of this research. More specifically, the purpose of this research was to obtain comprehensive data sets and supporting information on the impacts of cool-season and warm-season prescribed burning treatments on twelve instrumented watersheds in the oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands. A wildfire that burned some of the watersheds before the prescribed burning treatments were completed is included in the study. The data sets to be obtained will be compared to similar data-sets collected before the burning events to evaluate these impacts on tree overstories, herbaceous and shrub understories, wildlife populations and habitat preferences; ground cover and accumulations of litter and duff, and soil erosion and subsequent depositions.

Project Methods
Methods: Twelve small watersheds are the study sites. Four of the watersheds were to be burned in the cool season (November to April), four of the watersheds were to be burned in the warm-season (May to October), and four of the watersheds were unburned controls. The original objective of the research was to evaluate the effects of these prescribed burning treatments on the ecosystem resources and factors affecting the hydrologic functioning of the watersheds. Four of the watersheds were burned during the cool season in early March 2008. Three of the four watersheds to be burned in the warm season were (in fact) burned in May 2008. Before a scheduled fourth watershed to be burned in the warm season, however, a wildfire burned this watershed and the four control watersheds. As a consequence, the original objective was modified to evaluate the impacts of cool-season and warm-season prescribed burning and the wildfire. Study protocols for the research consist of measuring the following attributes on between 35 to 45 sample plots on the watersheds. These plots were the sampling basis for obtaining the pre-fire estimates. Species compositions and densities of tree overstories will be measured on 1/4-acre plots at the sampling locations. Production (standing biomass) of herbaceous plants and shrubs will be estimated on 9.6-square-foot plots by weight-estimate procedures. Fecal depositions of mammals will be recorded on 0.01-acre plots and observations of bird species and numbers will be obtained at the plots. Ground cover and fuel loadings will also be estimated at the plots. Soil erosion and depositions will be measured at erosion pins situated upslope and downslope of the plots. Field measurements and observations will be summarized by standard (acceptable) analytical procedures for the appropriate time frame (season, annually, or periodically) to characterized and evaluate the specific ecosystem resources and hydrologic-functioning relationships studied. The data sets will be organized in readily accessible formats in GPS-based computer files for storage and retrieval for continuing analyses.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/12

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? PIis no longer at the University of Arizona.

Publications

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Evaluations of the effects of prescribed burning treatments and a wildfire on ecosystem resources and hydrologic functioning of oak savannas in the Southwestern Borderlands Region continue. Current efforts are focused largely on evaluations of the effects of the burning events on the composition and production of herbaceous plants and on hillslope soil erosion rates. These evaluations will continue in collaboration with personnel of the U.S. Forest Service and their cooperators to determine the longer-term fire impacts. Parenthetically, initial planning of a second cycle of prescribed burns has begun. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Outputs from these research efforts continue to contribute to the knowledge-base on the effects of fire on the ecosystem resources and hydrologic functioning of oak savanna ecosystems. The information obtained is a preclude to planning for the possible operational-scale prescribed burning treatments. It is made available to managers, other researchers, and local stakeholders in varying formats and outlets.

Publications

• Neary, D. G., G. J. Gottfried, K. A. Koestner, P. F. Ffolliott, and R. A. Morales. 2010. Burning temperatures and fire severity in cool and warm season prescribed fires and wildfire in an oak Savanna of the southwestern USA. In: Viegas. D. X, editor. Proceedings of the VI International Conference on Forest Fire Research, Coimbra, Portugal. (CD-ROM)
• Ffolliott, P. F., H. Chen, and G. J. Gottfried. 2011. Bird species and numbers of birds in oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands Region including effects of burning. Journal of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science 42:75-83.
• Ffolliott, P. F., G. J. Gottfried, C. L. Stropki, H. Chen, and D. G. Neary. 2011. Fire effects on tree overstories in the oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands Region. U.S. Forest Service Research Paper RMRS-RP-86, 13 p.
• Ffolliott, P. F., G. J. Gottfried, A. T. Kauffman, C.L. Stropki, and U. Chen. 2010. Fire effects on soil erosion and deposition on hillslopes in the oak savannas. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 40:1-6.
• Ffolliott, P. F., G. J. Gottfried, and S. R. Woods. 2010. Occurrence on production of agave on the Cacabel Watersheds following three burning events. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 40:7-10.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Evaluations of the effects of prescribed burning treatments and a wildfire on the ecosystem resources and hydrologic functioning characterizing previously established Cascabel experimental watersheds located in the lower-elevation oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands region continue. The initial post-fire evaluations indicate that the effects of the burning events were largely minimal. This finding was expected, however, because all of the events were classified as low severity fires. In collaboration with personnel of the U.S. Forest Service and their cooperators, these evaluations will continue to determine longer-term impacts of these burning events on the array of parameters investigated. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Outputs of this research have, and will continue to, contribute to the established level of knowledge on the effects of burning events on ecosystem resources and hydrologic functioning in the oak savannas. This information will be made available to the planning efforts of managers, researchers, and other stake-holders for attempting to introduce a "more naturally occurring" prescribed burning regime into the region.

Publications

• Stropki, C. L., P. F. Ffolliott, and G. J. Gottfried. 2009. Water repellent soils following prescribed burning treatments and a wildfire in the oak savannas of the Malpai Borderland region. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 39:5-8.
• Chen, H., C. L. Stropki, P. F. Ffolliott, and G. J. Gottfried. 2009. A geographically-referenced multiple-resource data management system for the oak savannas of the Malpai Borderlands region. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 39:59-63.

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The original objective of the research program was to evaluate warm-season and cool-season prescribed burning in relation to (unburned) controls on a diversity of ecosystem resources and hydrologic functioning relationships in oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands Region. Following the obtainment of pre-fire data sets, four of the watersheds were successfully burned in the cool-season (March 2008). Three of the four watersheds to be burned in the warm-season were burned (May 20, 2008), with burning of the fourth watershed scheduled the following day. However, wind gusts (up to 60 mph) the following morning blew burning embers onto the remaining unburned warm-season watershed and the four control watersheds. The resulting wildfire crossed control lines in three places to burn 4,000 acres on and adjacent to the Cascabel Watersheds, the study area. As a consequence, the original objective had to be modified to evaluate cool season and warm season prescribed burning and a wildfire. Initial post-fire measurements of the production of herbaceous plants, rates of hillslope erosion, and effects of fire on the formation of water repellent soils were obtained in this reporting period. It is premature to disseminate the results of these measurements at this time. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Findings of this research contribute to better management of the ecological and hydrologic resources in this fragile ecosystem. Interested stakeholders include managers, other collaborating researchers in the public and private sectors, the local ranching community, and decision-makers with responsibilities to implement the identified management strategics and tactics.

Publications

• Ffolliott, P. F., C. L. Stropki, A. T. Kauffman, and G. J. Gottfried. 2008. Transpiration of oak trees in the oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands Region. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 38:23-28.
• Ffolliott, P. F., C. L. Stropki, and G. J. Gottfried. 2008. Vegetative characteristics and relationships in the oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands. U.S. Forest Service, Research Paper RMRS-RP-74, 16 p.

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
The study protocol specified in the study plan remains the basis for conducting the research outlined. Seasonal estimates of the production and utilization of herbaceous (forage) plants, wildlife populations and habitat preferences, and hillslope erosion were obtained in September 2007. More complete characterizations of fuel loadings have been undertaken. A prototype database management system has been completed.

Impacts
Results of this research continue to provide a foundation for planning and implementing better land stewardship in the Southwestern Borderlands region. Beneficiaries include public (federal and state) agencies, environmental advocates, and local stakeholders in the private sector.

Publications

• Kauffman, A. T., C. L. Stropki, P. F. Ffolliott, G. J. Gottfried, and D. G. Neary. 2007. Hillslope Erosion Rates in the Oak Savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands Region. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 37:15-18.
• Gottfried, G. J., P. F. Ffolliott, and D. G. Neary. 2007. Hydrology of Southwestern Encinal Oak Ecosystems: A Review and More. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 37:16-30.
• Ffolliott, P. F., and C. L. Stropki. 2007. Impacts of Upslope Watershed Disturbance on Riparian Ecosystems. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 37:31-35.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Much has been learned about the ecology and hydrology of the oak woodlands in the Southwestern United States. However, comparatively little has been known about the lower-elevation oak savannas until the initiation of this collaborative research effort. Oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands regions differ from the more extensive oak woodlands in that they are more open in the structure of te tree overstories and, therefore, greater amounts of forage production is expected. Estimates of tree overstory characteristics were obtained on the study sites in earlier work, while measurements of herbage production, habitat preferences of indigenous and transitory wildlife species, and hillslope soil erosion rates are taken on a semi-annual basis. Because of the variable amounts and timing of precipitation events in the region, these measurements will continue into the future to obtain baseline estimates to be compared with similar estimates to be obtained following the initiation of prescribed burning treatments on the sites. It is hoped that a more natural fire regime can be re-introduced through these efforts to sustain forage production and other natural resources benefits for the regional ranching community.

Impacts
This project provides input for the local and regional ranching communities to economically sustain themselves without selling their land to developers. The project ensures that these opportunities will be available in an environmentally sound manner.

Publications

• Ffolliott, P. F., G. J. Gottfried, and J. A. Goldenenetz. 2006. Fuel loadings in the oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands region. In: Borders, Boundaries, and Time Scales, USGS Southwest Biological Science, Center, Tucson, Arizona, pp. 29-31.
• Doschka, J. E., P. F. Ffolliott, and G. J. Gottfried. 2006. Abundance and species diversity of birds in the oak savannas of the Southwestern United States. In: Borders, Boundaries, and Time Scales, USGS Southwest Biological Science, Center, Tucson, Arizona, pp. 66-67.
• Ffolliott, P. F., G. J. Gottfried, and C. L. Stropki. 2006. Herbaceous resources in the oak savannas of the Southwestern Borderlands region. In: Borders, Boundaries, and Time Scales, USGS Southwest Biological Science, Center, Tucson, Arizona, pp. 76-78.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Comprehensive data sets representing baseline (pre-fire) streamflow; hillslope and channel soil loss and sedimentation processes; soil nutrient dynamics; overstory and understory vegetation; and occurrence and habitats of small and large mammals, birds, and reptiles continue to be taken on the 12 Cascabel watersheds situated in the borderlands region of the southwestern United States in anticipation of the application of a series of prescribed burning treatments to (primarily) enhance the production of herbaceous (forage) plants available to livestock while also enhancing or (at a minimum) sustaining other ecological processes and hydrologic functions in the oak savannas characterizing the region. The prescribed burning treatments to be applied represent a focused attempt on the part of land managers and local ranchers to re-introduce the historical fire regimes into the oak savannas to restore rangeland conditions that have deteriorated in recent decades.

Impacts
The data sets and supporting information obtained in this AES research effort will be the basis for characterizing the pre-fire (baseline) ecological and hydrologic functioning and conditions on the Cascabel watersheds and, therefore, become the points-of-departure to (ultimately) analyze the impacts of the prescribed fire treatments in the necessary ecosystem-based context. Public land management agencies, local ranchers, and environmental advocates are collaborating in this milestone effort.

Publications

• Neary, D. G., Ffolliott, P. F., DeBano, L. F. 2005. Hydrology, ecology, and management of riparian areas in the Madrean Archipelago. In: USDA For. Serv., Proceed. RMRS-P-36, pp. 316-319.
• Ffolliott, P. F., and Gottfried, G. J. 2005. Vegetative characteristics of oak savannas in the southwestern United States: A comparative analysis with oak woodlands in the region. In: USDA For. Serv., Proceed. RMRS-P-36, pp. 399-402.
• Jones, W. D., Jones, C. M. Ffolliott, P. F., and Gottfried, G. J. 2005. Abundance of birds in the oak savannas of the southwestern United States. In: USDA For. Serv., Proceed. RMRS-P-36, pp. 523-524.
• Shipek, D. C., and Ffolliott, P. F. 2005. Management of thinned Emory oak coppice for multiple resource benefits. In: USDA For. Serv., Proceed. RMRS-P-36, pp. 545-546.
• Ffolliott, P. F., Stropki, C. L., and Gottfried, G. J. 2005. Initial estimate of soil erosion on the Cascabel Watersheds in the oak savannas of the Malpai Borderlands region. Proceed. 49th Annul. Ariz.-Nev. Acad. Sci. Meet., p. 31.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Estimates of herbage production for early-growing and late-growing plants completed and summarized for two years of estimation. Fecal accumulations for deer, cottontail, and ground squirrels measured and surveys of bird species commplete for spring and fall periods. Soil erosion rates estimated for summer monsoonal periods. These estimates, measurements, and surveys continue. Earlier measurements of tree overstory characteristics and transpiration rates, and fuel loadings summarized and entered into computerized data files. Appropriate manuscripts prepared.

Impacts
Information on the characteristics of oak savannas is limiting the implementation of holistic, ecosystem-based management for the ecosystem. This project continues to obtain this technical knowledge which will be appropriately incorporated into the planning processes for the responsible management agencies and the private sector.

Publications

• Shipek, C. D., P. F. Ffolliott. 2003. Water, wood, and wildfie management of Emory oak coppice: A preliminary decision matric. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 33:43-45.
• Shipek, C. D., P. F. Ffolliott, G. J. Gottfried, and L. F. DeBano. 2004. Transpiration and multiple use management of Emory oak coppice. USDA Forest Service, Research Paper RMRS-48, 8 p.
• Ffolliott, P. F. 2004. Opportunities for agroforestry in the drylands of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The Temperate Agroforester 12(3):2-4.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
The characterizations and evaluations being obtained are furnishing baseline information on the hydrologic and ecological functioning of oak savannas. Impacts of planned interventions such as prescribed burning treatments proposed by public and private stakeholders will be compared to this baseline information to provide a basis for extrapolations throughout the ecosystem.

Impacts
Little and mostly incomplete information on oak savannas is limiting the implementation of holistic management for the ecosystem. This project is helping to obtain the knowledge necessary for this implmentation.

Publications

• Ffolliott, P. F., Dawson, J. O., Fisher, J. T., and others. 2003. Dryland environments. In: Assessing capabilities of soil and water resources in drylands: Proceedings of the conference. International Arid Lands Consortium, Tucson, Arizona, pp. 1-18.
• Gottfried, G. J., Ffolliott, P. F. 2003. Notes on herbage production in encinal woodlands. In: Meeting resource management needs: Proceedings of the conference. Sonoran Desert Field Station, Tucson, Arizona, pp. 53-57.
• Farah, M. M., Ffolliott, P. F., Gottfried, G. J. 2003. Growth and yield of Emory oak coppice 10 years after thinning. West. J. Appl. For. 18:77-80.
• Ffolliott, P. F., Gottfried, G. J., Cohen, Y., Shiller, G. 2003. Transpiration by dryland oaks: Studies in the southwestern United States and northern Israel. J. Arid Environ. 55:595-605.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Study of water use (transpiration) by thinned Emory oak stump sprouts has been completed. This information helps to complete the initial estimates of the hydrologic components of the water budget for the oak woodlands in southeastern Arizona. Work has been initiated a further study of the hydrologic and ecological functionings of watersheds established in oak savannas. These savannas are characterized generally by lower tree densities and higher levels of herbage production than the oak woodlands.

Impacts
The need for more holistically conceived, ecosystem-based management of the oak type in Arizona is intensifying with increased demands for the multiple use values of these woodlands. Results from this project have been, and continue to be used by land management agencies and local land owners to foster implementation of these management efforts in a sustainable manner.

Publications

• Ffolliott, Peter F. 2002. Ecology and management of evergreen oak woodlands in Arizona and New Mexico. In: McShea, William J., and William M. Healy. Oak forest ecosystems: Ecology and management for wildlife. The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, Maryland, pp. 304-316.
• Ffolliott, Peter F., Jeffrey O. Dawson, James T. Fisher, and others. 2001. Water use by dryland oak. In: Ffolliott, Peter F., Jeffrey O. Dawson, James T. Fisher, and others. Arid and semiarid land stewardship: A 10-year review of accomplishments and contributions of the International Arid Lands Consortium. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-89, 17-19.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Refinement of a representative water budget for Emory oak woodlands has continued. Emphasis remains placed on the transpiration component of the water budget because of its dominant role in the flow of water through these ecosystems. Over 50 percent of the annual precipitation that falls on a woodland site can be lost to the atmosphere through the transpiration process. Work has also begun in determining how fuel loadings of differing magnitudes on sites representing varying land-use practices impact on the water budget.

Impacts
The need for more holistically conceived, ecosystem-based management of the oak type in Arizona is intensifying with increased demands for the multiple use values of these woodlands. Results from this project have been, and continue to be used by land management agencies and local land owners to foster implementation of these management efforts in a sustainable manner.

Publications

• DeBano, L.F., P.F. Ffolliott, and M.B. Baker, Jr. 2001. Some lessons learned in fifty years of watershed management in the Southwest. In: Proceedings of the Society of American Foresters 2000 National Convention, Washington, DC, pp. 64-68.
• Escobedo, F.J., P.F. Ffolliott, G.J. Gottfried, and F. Garza. 2001. Fire frequency effects on fuel loadings in pine-oak forests of the Madrean Province. USDA Forest Service, Research Note RMRS-RN-10, 6 p.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
An annual water budget was developed for Emory oak woodlands. Components of the hydrologic cycle considered in this initial formulation included interception and stemflow, infiltration, stormflow, and transpiration; stormflow was a surrogate of overland flow. Effects of harvesting trees and fire on this water budget were approximated. Refinements of the storage points and flows within and between these storage points in the water budget continue. A current emphasis is placed on studying the effects of thinning post-harvesting stump-sprouts on the transpiration component. Extrapolation of infiltration estimates from point measurements to a stand basis is also necessary.

Impacts
The need for more holistically conceived, ecosystem-based management of the oak type in Arizona is intensifying with increased demands for the multiple use values of these woodlands. Results from this project have been, and continue to be used by land management agencies and local land owners to foster implementation of these management efforts in a sustainable manner.

Publications

• Ffolliott, P.F. 2000. An annual water budget for Emory oak woodlands: An initial approximation. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 30:37-41.
• Ffolliott, P.F., and G.J. Gottfried. 2000. Changes in transpiration by Emory oak following tree harvesting. In: Proceedings of the Conference on Watershed Management & Operations Management, American Society of Civil Engineers, Fort Collins, Colorado, pp. 1-7.

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
Second phase of investigation on water use (transpiration) by Emory oak (Quercus emoryi) initiated; this phase centers on comparing water use by mature trees thinned to differing (harvesting) intensities. A counterpart investigation is being conducted on Mediterranean oaks in Israel. Completed a comprehensive chapter on oak woodlands in the southwestern United States for book on OAK FOREST ECOSYSTEMS: ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT FOR WILDLIFE entitled ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF EVERGREEN OAK WOODLANDS IN ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO to be published by John Hopkins University Press. Investigations on the roles of indigenous oak species on the hydrologic cycle, forage production, and wildlife habitats continue.

Impacts
The need for more holistically conceived, ecosystem-based management of the oak type in Arizona is intensifying with increased demands for the multiple use values of these woodlands. Results from this project have been, and continue to be used by land management agencies and local land owners to foster implementation of these management efforts in a sustainable manner.

Publications

• Fisher, James T., Mark Stafford Smith, Rafael Cavazos, Hugo Manzanilla, Peter F. Ffolliott, Donald Saltz, Mike Irwin, Theodore W. Sammis, Darius Swietlik, Itshack Moshe, and Menachem Sachs. 1999. Land use and management: Research implications from three arid and semi-arid regions of the world. In: Hoekstra, Thomas W., and Moshe Shachak, technical editors. Arid lands management: Toward ecological sustainability. University of Illinois Press, Urbana, Illinois, pp. 143-170.
• Dawson, Jeffrey O., Peter F. Ffolliott, James T. Fisher, Menachem Sachs, Darrell W. DeBoer, Timothy E. Fulbright, and John Tracy. 1999. Increasing understanding of dryland diversity and management: The IALC experience. Conference on Biodiversity in Drylands: Towards a Unified Framework and Identification of Research Needs, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel, pp. 64-66.
• Ffolliott, Peter F., and Leonard F. DeBano. 1999. Information on borderlands resource: A bibliography for planners, managers, research workers. In: Gottfried, Gerald J., Lane G. Eskew, Charles G. Curtin, and Carleton B. Edminster, compilers. Toward integrated research, land management, and ecosystem protection in the Malpai Borderlands: Conference summary. USDA Forest Service, Proceedings RMRS-P-10, pp. 49-50.
• Ffolliott, Peter F., Leonard F. DeBano, Gerald J. Gottfried, Daniel P. Huebner, and Carl B. Edminster, compilers. 1999. A bibliography for the northern Madrean Biogeographic Province. USDA Forest Service, Research Note RMRS-RN-7, 3 p.
• Ffolliott, Peter F., and Gerald J. Gottfried. 1999. Water use by Emory oak in southeastern Arizona. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 29:43-48.
• Gottfried, Gerald J., Peter F. Ffolliott, Gabriel Schiller, and Yehezel Cohen. 1999. Water use by dryland oaks. In: IALC land management workshop: A tenth anniversary celebration of USFS, CSREES, Israeli, and IALC partnerships. International Arid Lands Consortium, Tucson, Arizona, pp. 3-4.
• Ffolliott, Peter F. 1999. Multiple benefits of arid land agroforestry home gardens and riparian ecosystems. In: Josiah, Scott J., editor. Proceedings of the North American conference of enterprise development through agroforestry: Farming the agroforest for specialty products. Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Agricultural Management, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, pp. 41-46.
• Ffolliott, Peter F. 1999. Woodlands and scrub formations in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. In: Ffolliott, Peter F., and Alfredo Ortega-Rubio. Ecology and management of forests, woodlands, and shrublands in the dryland regions of the United States and Mexico: Perspective for the 21st century. Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas del Noroeste, S. C., La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, pp. 23-37.
• Ffolliott, Peter F. 1999. Encinal woodlands in the southwestern United States. In: Ffolliott, Peter F., and Alfredo Ortega-Rubio. Ecology and management of forests, woodlands, and shrublands in the dryland regions of the United States and Mexico: Perspective for the 21st century. Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas del Noroeste, S. C., La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, pp. 69-81.
• Ffolliott, Peter F. 1999. Wildlife resources and their management in the southwestern United States. In: Ffolliott, Peter F., and Alfredo Ortega-Rubio. Ecology and management of forests, woodlands, and shrublands in the dryland regions of the United States and Mexico: Perspective for the 21st century. Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas del Noroeste, S. C., La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, pp. 181-195.

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
Main accomplishments in 1998 were completion of studies on 10-year effects of thinning Quercus emoryi coppice on growth, yield, and harvesting cycles; and water use (transpiration) of mature trees and sprouts of Q. emoryi. In terms of the former study, growth and yield of residual sprouts depend largely on the number of sprouts left after thinning. Effects of stump diameter were inconclusive. Harvesting cycles for fuelwood might be reduced through proper timing of thinning. The latter study indicates little difference in daily water use (approximately 50 liters) by mature trees in both harvested and un-harvested woodlands, but significant differences in water use between these mature trees and post-harvesting sprouts (less than 10 litters). On a per-hectare basis, about 3,150 litters of water were used annually by residual mature trees and sprouts in the harvested woodlands; in comparison, 1,900 liters of water were used by mature trees in the un-harvested woodland. Contributing to the greater water use in the harvested woodland is the occurrence of a large number of vigorous post- harvesting sprouts. Investigations on the roles of Quercus in multiple-used, ecosystem-based management practices continue.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Ffolliott, P. F. 1988. A multiple-resource computer simulation system. In: Squires, V. R., and A. E. Sidahmed, editors. Drylands: Sustainable use of rangelands into the twenty-first century. International Fund for Agricultural Development, Rome, Italy, pp. 151-158.
• Ffolliott, P. F. 1998. Physical properties and utilization of encinal woodlands in arid zones of North America. In: Ortega Nieblas, M., R. Lopez Estudillo, and D. Vasquez del Castillo, editors. Symposium Internacional Sobre la Utilizacion y Aprovechamiento de la Flora Silvestre de Zonas Aridas. Centro de las Artes, Universidad de Sonora, Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, pp. 33-34.
• Ffolliott, P. F., L. F. DeBano, G. J. Gottfried, M. B. Baker, Jr., and C. B. Edminster. 1998. Hydrologic information in the Madrean Biogeographic Province: A bibliography for planners, managers, and research workers. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 28:84-86.

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
Role of indigenous oak trees, Quercus emoryi and Q. gambelii, in agroforestry systems (silvopastoralism) investigated in terms of contributions to multiple use management practices. Trees provide fodder and shade for wildlife species and livestock. Effects of wildfire of varying severities on survival and post-burning sprouting characteristics of Q. emoryi studied and reported upon. Sap flow measurements of water use by tree- and shrub-form of Q. emoryi completed and data being analyzed to estimate seasonal evapotranspiration rates; companion research being conducted in northern Israel on Mediterranean oak species under auspices of the Int'l Arid Lands Consortium. Study of long-term effects of coppice-thinning on growth and yield of Q. emoryi continues; repeated measurements have been taken at 1, 5, and 10 year intervals, the latter in this reporting period.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• FFOLLIOTT, PETER F., W.J. RIETVELD, KENNETH N. BROOKS, AND ALFREDO ORTEGA-RUBIO. 1996. Sustainable production agroforestry in the dryland regions of the United States and Mexico. In: Ehrenreich, John H., Dixie L. Ehrenreich, and Harry W. Lee, editors. Growing a sustainable future. Proceedings of the Fourth N. American Agroforestry Conference, Boise, Idaho, pp. 84-86.
• FFOLLIOTT, PETER F., AND DUANE A. BENNETT. 1996. Peak Fire of 1988: Its effect on Madrean oak trees. In: Ffolliott, Peter F., Leonard F. DeBano, Malchus B. Baker, Jr., Gerald J. Gottfried, Gilberto Solis-Garza, Carleton B. Edminster, Daniel G. Neary, Larry S. Allen, and R.H. Hamre, technical coordinators. 1996. Effects of fire on Madrean Province ecosystems: A symposium proceedings. USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report RM-GTR-289, pp. 235-237.

Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
Studies identifying ecological functioning of the encinal wooldands continued. Specifically, the field measurements to determine the effects of coppice thinnings on Emory oak sprouts of varying ages was completed, and the analysis phase is nearing completion. A comprehensive bibliography on the Madrean Province of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico is also nearing completion. This bibliography will be made available on hardcopy, computer disks, and the internet in early 1997. A bibliography on the effects of fire on the Madrean Province ecosystems was compiled and distributed at a symposium sponsored by this project and the USDA Forest Service on the topic. An investigation on water use by Emory oak, as determined by the heat-pulse method, was initiated with the help of financial assistance from the International Arid Lands Consortium. A complementary counterpart to this investigation, also supported by the International Arid Lands Consoortium, is being conducted on dryland oak in Israel. The results of these two studies will help to quantify daily and seasonal courses of water use in dryland oak species. Other progress is indicated by the publications listed below.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• DEBANO, L. F., and FFOLLIOTT, P.F. 1996. A selected bibliography: Effects of Fireon the Madrean Province Ecosystems. School of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Arizona, 28pp.
• DEBANO, L.F., FFOLLIOTT, P. F., and BROOKS, K.N. 1996. Flow of water and sedimentthrough southwestern riparian systems. In: Shaw, D.
• W., and Deborah M. Finch, tech. coords. Described future conditions for southwestern riparian systems: Bring FFOLLIOTT, P.
• F., GOTTFRIED, G.R., and BAKER, M. B., Jr. 1996. Role of snow in thehydrology of the Madrean Province of Southwestern Airzona. Hydrology and Water Resources in Arizona and the Southwest 26:35-37.

Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
Studies to identify the ecological functioning of the encinal woodlands continue. An investigation on the ecological conditions in the overlap areas of the pinyon-juniper and encinal woodlands was completed. A procedure to simulate the changes in stand structure of encinal woodlands was developed to help in relating these changes to changes in ecological conditions. Measurements of the effects of coppice thinnings on Emory oak 10 years following treatment were obtained and will be reported upon. A bibliography of the Madrean Province of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico (including encinal woodlands) continues in preparation. A conference on the role of fire in the Madrean ecosystems was organized to be held in Tucson.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
Studies to identify the ecological functioning of the encinal woodlands are being formulated. Specifically, studies of the floristic diversities of the pinyon-juniper and oak woodlands of the southwestern United States, and the oak woodlands of Baja California Sur, Mexico, will be implemented in 1995. Studies on the long-term effects of coppice thinnings, soil-site relationships, regenerative potentials, and growth and yield potentials continue. A conference to examine the biodiversity and management practices in the Madrean Archipelago, or the Sky Islands of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, was organized and co-sponsored with the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other management agencies and research institutions. An annotated bibliography of the Northern Madrean Biogeographical Province was prepared for the participants at this conference.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• FFOLLIOTT, P. F., AND GOTTFRIED, G. J., DEBANO, L. F., AND ORGEGA, A. 1994. A bibliography for the Northern Madrean Biogeographic Province. National Park Service, Tucson, Arizona, 195 pp. 1994.