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8. Anderson, S. H., compiler. 1982. Effects of the 1976 Seney National Wildlife 
        Refuge wildfire on wildlife and wildlife habitat. U.S. Fish Wildl. 
        Serv., Resour. Publ. 146. 28 pp.

A 260 km² burn in the summer of 1976 resulted in an increase in wildlife species richness because the patchy nature of the fire created new habitat. Effects on vegetation, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, water quality, and soils were determined. Those species limited by lack of edge increased as did those that benefited from structural change in the habitat. No species were extirpated because no habitat was completely destroyed. Results emphasize that knowledge of the biotic community, its successional stage, and general climatic conditions at the site must be incorporated in planning for use of fire as a wildlife management tool. This study is a good example of the comprehensive approach necessary to fully assess the impacts of wildfires on refuge (and other) lands. [K-L S]