FIRE EFFECTS
SPECIES: Pinus contorta var. murrayana | Sierra Lodgepole Pine 



IMMEDIATE FIRE EFFECT ON PLANT : 
Sierra lodgepole pine is usually killed by fire because of its shallow
root system and thin bark [60].  After a lightning-ignited fire in the
Sierra Nevada at Ellis Meadow in Kings Canyon National Park, most of the
trees surrounding the meadow were killed [15].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF FIRE EFFECT : 
NO-ENTRY


PLANT RESPONSE TO FIRE : 
Fire prepares an ideal seedbed, and Sierra lodgepole pine is an early
postfire colonizer [13,30].  Following stand-replacing fire, it
initially establishes in even-aged stands.  Smaller-scale disturbances
such as windfall and avalanches are thought to convert Sierra lodgepole
pine forests to the uneven-aged structure typical of this variety [43].


DISCUSSION AND QUALIFICATION OF PLANT RESPONSE : 
NO-ENTRY


FIRE MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Sierra lodgepole pine has increased in importance in some white fir
forests.  It typically invades such forests in the first few decades
following fire.  Historically, Sierra lodgepole pine in understories of
white fir forests were killed by the next fire.  Past policies of fire
suppression in Crater Lakes National Monument, however, have resulted in
a significant increase in density of Sierra lodgepole pine within the
white fir zone [1].

Lodgepole pine dwarf mistletoe adds to vertical distribution of fuel.
Periodic fire, however, aids in keeping dwarf mistletoe, fungal, and
insect infestations under control [25].

Heart and root rot fungi may invade fire-scarred Sierra lodgepole pine
[18].

Related categories for Species: Pinus contorta var. murrayana | Sierra Lodgepole Pine