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ARS Home » Plains Area » Miles City, Montana » Livestock and Range Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #163266

Title: EFFECTS OF SUMMER BURNING AND STOCKING RATE IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS

Author
item ROSE, JESSICA - TEXAS TECH UNIV
item Vermeire, Lance
item WESTER, DAVID - TEXAS TECH UNIV

Submitted to: Texas Tech Press
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2004
Publication Date: 6/5/2004
Citation: Rose, J.L., Vermeire, L.T., Wester, D.B. 2004. Effects of summer burning and stocking rate in the northern great plains. Research Highlights - 2004 Noxious Brush and Weed Control; Range, Wildlife, and Fisheries Management 35:26. Texas Tech University.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fire is a natural occurrence throughout the western United States. In the northern Great Plains of eastern Montana, wildfires caused by lightning strikes usually occur during summer months, with over 70% of these ignitions occurring in July and August. Following summer fire, public land managers suggest a two-year rest from grazing to allow recovery for plants. It has been suggested that more than three years may be necessary to allow complete recovery of burned vegetation before grazing. However, this recommendation is based primarily on data from spring and fall burning, or unreplicated summer wildfire. Little research has been conducted on the effects of summer burning in the semi-arid Northern Great Plains. Research investigating the relationship between stocking rate and vegetative response after a fire is also limited. The objectives of this research are to determine the effects of summer burning and stocking rate on plant recovery in the dry mixed prairie of the Northern Great Plains. The study site is located near Miles City, MT on the USDA-ARS Fort Keogh Livestock and Range Research Laboratory. Pre-burn data have been collected and prescribed fire was applied 29 August 2003. Grazing treatments will be applied in 2004. These treatments include four stocking rates based on estimated standing crop from the pre-burn data. This study will examine the effects of summer fire and post fire stocking rate on the structure and function of northern mixed prairie.