Tahoe Research, Scholarship & Outreach at the University of Nevada, Reno

Publications about the Tahoe Basin
by Faculty and Staff at the University of Nevada, Reno

Full Record with Abstract

Bradley, T. and P. Tueller. (2001). Effects of fire on bark beetle presence on Jeffrey pine in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Forest Ecology and Management 142(1-3):205-214. Online Article (UNR only)

Abstract
An investigation into the effects of low intensity, late-season prescription fire on Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) and associated short-term presence of various bark beetles of the family Scolytidae was completed on forests along the north edge of Lake Tahoe, Nevada. A total of 38 permanent 0.040-ha plots were located among five different prescription burn sites treated during October 1997. An additional twenty-seven 0.040 ha plots were located in adjacent unburned forest stands. All trees within-study plots were visited thrice between June and October of 1998. Results showed a highly significant correlation between burning and bark beetle presence. Over 24% of trees in prescription burn plots were attacked by one or more species of bark beetle. Less than 1% of all non-burned trees were similarly attacked. Highly significant multiple logistic regression models were developed for each of the two occurring species of Dendroctonus and a composite model for all observed species of Ips. The indirect burn severity measurements of crown scorch, duff consumption, and bole scorch were highly significant; other tested variables were species specific or not significant. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.