FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Artemisia filifolia | Sand Sagebrush 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
The effect of fire on sand sagebrush is not well documented.  It is
reported as being both tolerant and intolerant of fire [41,47].  Still
others describe sand sagebrush as somewhat fire tolerant with the
ability to sprout after fire [48,49].  Ecotypic differences are possible,
considering the relatively wide range of this species.  Differences in
fire effects may also be related to season of burn, and fire intensity
and severity.  Limited evidence suggests that sand sagebrush may be much
more severely damaged by fire during drought periods.



DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Sand sagebrush vigorously reoccupies burned areas.  It can reestablish a
site through an abundance of light, wind-dispersed seed from off-site
sources, but it is unclear whether or not sand sagebrush is capable of
resprouting following a fire [47,49].  In the northern Panhandle of
Texas, Wright [47] reports that sand sagebrush is a nonsprouter which
comes back vigorously through seedlings after fire, while others report
that sand sagebrush is capable of sprouting after fire [21,48,49].
Variable sprouting responses may be due to fire intensity and severity,
season of burn, or ecotypic differences.

Recovery time of sand sagebrush has not been well documented.  In the
northern Texas Panhandle, an abundance of seedlings was observed by
August following a March burn earlier in the same year [21].  Climatic
factors may exert an important influence on recovery time.  After two
growing seasons, little recovery was noted following a burn in a drought
year in the same part of Texas [21].  Grazing may slow recovery of sand
sagebrush following fire.


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Sand sagebrush generally grows on light sandy soils which are
susceptible to wind erosion. Consequently, burning plans for eradicating
sand sagebrush should consider erosion potential of the site [20].

Burning has been used to a limited extent to increase forage production
or to improve wildlife habitat.  Throughout much of the southern Great
Plains, species such as sand sagebrush and shinnery oak have increased
as palatable perennial grasses have declined with overgrazing.  In some
instances, burning may cause decreases in overall shrub cover and, when
combined with carefully regulated grazing, promote the growth of more
valuable forage species.  Little specific information is available on
fire use in sand sagebrush communities, and no prescriptions have been
reported.

Areas dominated by sand sagebrush, shinnery oak, and skunkbush sumac
(Rhus trilobata) in Texas and eastern New Mexico have been burned to
promote forbs and to encourage new shrub growth [7].  Such fires can
enhance the value of these areas to mule deer and other wildlife
species.  Recommended procedure is to burn small patches of 5 acres or
less in years with greater than normal fall and winter precipitation
[7].  The patches should be left unburned for 10 to 12 years and
scattered more than 0.25 miles apart to encourage mule deer utilization
of these areas [7].  Burning small patches or swaths minimizes adverse
impacts on many wildlife species including small birds [10,17].  Lesser
prairie chickens are more mobile than many other species and can
reportedly tolerate brush control on blocks of 370 to 740 acres (150-300
hectares) [17].

Related categories for Species: Artemisia filifolia | Sand Sagebrush