Effects of Fire on Ecosystem Carbon in the Midwest and Eastern United States: A Primer
Authors: Keller, A.B.; Handler, S.
Year: 2024
Type: Technology Transfer
Climate Hub region: Northern Forests Climate Hub
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Abstract
Prior to European settlement, fire was a common disturbance across most of the Midwest and Eastern United States. Today, prescribed fire is used as a management tool to promote native, fire-tolerant species and reduce vulnerability to high-intensity, unplanned fires. This primer discusses how prescribed fire affects ecosystem structure and function, with a primary focus on ecosystem carbon storage and sequestration. Management considerations related to the effects of prescribed fire on ecosystem carbon and greenhouse gas mitigation goals are discussed.
Citation
Keller, A.B. and Handler, S. 2024. Effects of fire on ecosystem carbon in the Midwest and Eastern United States. Technology Transfer. Houghton, MI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Northern Forests Climate Hub. 7 p.
Acknowledgments
This handout is a product of the USDA Northern Forests Climate Hub and the Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science, a collaborative, multi-institutional partnership led by the USDA Forest Service. Funding was provided by the USDA Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy.