Document: JOS-3-68-17

Composition changes following fire and tree removal from shale glades.

ELY, J.S.* and D.J.GIBSON

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA ¹

Abstract:
GIS analysis of aerial photographs shows that between 1938 and 1993 there was a 48 90 % reduction in the size of shale glades in southern Illinois. We have been monitoring plant species abundance in permanent plots first established in 1988 to assess the effects of restoration management (biennial prescribed burning and tree removal) at one site, and changes without management at two sites. Changes in species composition over a ten-year period were summarized using DCA ordination. The distribution of plots from each year according to the first two axes of the ordination was summarized with 90% confidence ellipses. Vector lengths (change in plot location on the ordination) allowed the change in composition of plots from one time period to another to be assessed. Compositional change was rapid immediately following restoration, and slowed in succeeding years to the rate approaching that of the unmanaged shale glades. Areas of the managed site restored in 1994 became similar to the areas that were without trees in 1988. Vegetation at the restored shale glade changed compositionally to a transitional prairie-forest system but clearance of remaining wooded areas is still necessary. The present restoration scheme appears appropriate for these shale glades, but needs to be implemented at the unmanaged sites and then actively maintained.

Keywords: Fire, shale glade, restoration, forest opening, plant communities, vegetation analyses

This abstract is being presented at: 10:30 AM in session:
Poster Session #12: Disturbance Ecology.